ATTUKAL TEMPLE
AT
TRIVANDRUM
The
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to the divine
mother in Kerala. It is very close to the famous Sri Padmanabha Swamy
temple in Trivandrum.
It
is popularly described as the Sabarimala of women, since women form the major
portion of the Devi’s devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is
worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings as well as their
destroyer.
All
pilgrims who visit the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple make it a point to visit the
shrine of the supreme Mother known as Attukalamma.
Attukal temple is
the abode of the goddess, who is the supreme preserver and destroyer. She cares
her devotees like a mother does her children. For the devotees, Attukal
Devi (Attukal Amma or Attukal Bhagavathy) is supreme power, capable of
delivering all the wishes of her devotees.
Several women devotees testify the supreme
power of this shrine, and tell you how Attukal Devi has blessed them with
progeny and wishes of bountiful life.
Devotees from all
parts of India come and bow before the all powerful goddess, seeking an end to
their afflictions and to receive blessings.
The temple is just 2 Km from the main city
center of Thiruvananthapuram and is located at a rural-looking area, although
the surroundings are highly urbanized.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple exhibits a unify of Tamil and
Kerala form of architecture. The gateway of the temple is stunning with
delicate work.
Furthermore, the temple has beautiful idols of
Mahisasurmardini, Goddess Kali, Rajarajeshwari, Devi Parvati and Lord
Shiva.
There are two idols of the Goddess here. The
original deity is adorned with golden ornaments and precious stones. The other
one is placed just beside that.
The architecture
of Attukal temple has elements of both Kerala and Tamil architecture styles.
The exteriors of the temple are carved with hundreds of sculptures of gods,
goddesses, the stories of Dasavataram of Lord Vishnu,Goddess Kannagi (Kannaki), Dakshayaga etc. The main building also depicts Goddess
Kali, Sree Parvathy, Lord Siva, Rajarajeshwari, and several others.
The Gopura (main
rise building) is covered by such idols, which surely are a work of a team of
artisans under the leadership of an able sculptor.
The temple doors
and internal corridors also have several sculptures of Gods like Lord Ganapathi
(Ganesh), Lord Siva, etc.
By Air
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at Valiyathura is about 7 Km from the shrine. Many international air carriers operate daily international flights to Middle East, Male and Sri Lanka from Thiruvananthapuram.
By
Rail
The nearest Railway station is Trivandrum
Central Railway station located at Thampanoor is about 2 Km from the shrine.
By Road
Trivandrum Central Bus Station located at Thampanoor is about 2 Km from the shrine and the City Bus Station located at EastFort is about 1.5 Km form the shrine.
