Attukal Pongala: 8 things to know

Attukal Pongala which has entered the Guinness Book of World Records is an annual festival of Attukal temple in Kerala’s state capital – Thiruvananthapuram. During the festivity women from various parts of the nation and abroad converge in Thiruvananthapuram to offer Pongala to the presiding deity.

On the 23rd of February this year, more than 40 lakh women devotees, regardless of their caste or affiliation with any faith, are expected to assemble in the streets of Thiruvananthapuram for taking part in the mega event.

Here are 8 things one has to know before Attukal Pongala.

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As per the temple mythology, Kannaki who is eulogized as the epitome of chastity later became the deity of the temple. It is popularly believed that Kannaki is the embodiment of Hindu goddess Durga. According to the myth, she burnt down Madurai under Pandyan kingdom after the King mistakenly murdered her husband Kovalan. She who reached the banks of Killiyar (a river flowing through Thiruvananthapuram) was fed by local women there. She later vanished into thin air, becoming the deity of Attukal. Since then Pongala was offered to her on an annual basis.