Devi (Attukal Bhagavathy) temple · Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu temple to the goddess Bhagavathy, known affectionately as Attukalamma, in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is best known for the Attukal Pongala festival, which Kerala Tourism describes as the largest gathering of women for a festival anywhere in the world, a distinction recognised by Guinness World Records.
Faith & Tradition
During Attukal Pongala, women devotees prepare pongala — a sweet dish of rice, jaggery, coconut and plantain — in earthen pots as an offering to the goddess. The word means 'to boil over', and devotees believe the offering brings prosperity and blessings to their households. Kerala Tourism notes that women from every background take part, and that on the main day an area of about 7 km around the temple becomes ground for the ritual.
Heritage
The temple's annual festival lasts ten days and falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, usually February–March. It opens with the Kaapukettu ceremony, as The Hindu reported, and the temple presents its Attukal Amba Puraskaram award at the start of the festival.
Plan Your Visit
Festival dates change every year with the Malayalam calendar. Confirm the current year's Pongala date and arrangements with the temple trust or Kerala Tourism before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
A ten-day festival culminating in the pongala offering by women devotees across a wide area of the city; Kerala Tourism calls it the largest gathering of women for a festival worldwide.
Location
The temple is in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. On Pongala day the streets of the city around the temple fill with devotees, so expect road restrictions and heavy crowds and plan travel with local authorities' advisories.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India 695009
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Devi (Attukal Bhagavathy) temples · Temples in Thiruvananthapuram District
Questions
It is in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.
The goddess Bhagavathy, affectionately called Attukalamma.
The temple's annual festival, during which women prepare pongala — rice, jaggery, coconut and plantain cooked in earthen pots — as an offering to the goddess.
In the Malayalam month of Kumbham, usually February–March. It is a ten-day festival; the exact date changes every year.
Kerala Tourism describes it as the largest gathering of women for a festival in the world, recognised by Guinness World Records.
The ritual takes place across the streets around the temple. Expect very large crowds and traffic restrictions, and check official advisories before going.
Further reading: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Write to info@hindutone.com — see our editorial policy.
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