ATTUKAL PONGALA


There is an ancient Bhagavathy Temple (Mudippura) at Attukal in the Kaladi ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The most important festival of this temple, generally known as Attukal Pongala commences on Karthika day in Kumbham month (February- March) and continues for nine days ie, till the Pooram star. The festival begins with Thottampattu (a song about Bhagavathy), which goes on during all the nine days. On the Ninth day, lakhs of women assemble in the compound with Pongala pots and the required quantities of rice and other ingredients for Ponkala. Many of them bring with them even firewood for cooking the Pongala. Pongala is an important offering usually made in Bhagavathy temples, prepared in the form of a pudding by cooking rice, jaggery, coconut kernel and plantain fruits in varying combinations.

One ritual starts from very early in the morning and by noon all the ponkalas would be ready, when the Melshanthi (Chief Priest) carrying Devi’s sword over all the places around the temple and blesses them by sprinkling holy water and showering flowers. After this, the Devi is taken in procession to Manacaud Shastha temple accompanied by Talapoli of young ladies, Kuthiyattom of gents and Caparisoned elephants etc. It is said that the Lord Shastha is Attukal Devi’s brother. The procession returns only the next morning. The administration is in the hands of Attukal Devi Trust. The temple is also known as Sabarimala for Ladies.