ആറ്റുകാൽ അമ്മ
This mandir is at 2 km southeast of Padmanabhaswamy, it holds a special position among ancient temples. Attukal/ Parvathi), is a preserver or destroyer who grant wishes.
Attukal Pongala begins from recitation which ends at defeating the Pandya King. It signifies good over evil. At the end of recitation, rituals for Attukal Pongala begins through lightning fire at the temple hearth. The fire is given to woman ready for offering Pongala (rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, & coconut as well) for Attukal to seek blessings..
Rush of women is so intense that Pongala spreads outside the complex. In this festival Kuthiyottam is performed via boys below the age of 13 year, & Thalappoli is performed by girls on the ninth day. Cultural clothing of young girls is a attraction. Here, they have Thaalam with flowers, a lighted oil lamp, & offerings for Attukal Amma.
Architecture is a great combination of both Kerala & Tamil styles. The Gopurams are designed with icons of goddess Kannaki Exterior of the Attukal temple shows sculptures of gods, and stories from Dassavataram. The temple doors & walls in interior of Attukal Bhagavathy are covered with sculptures of Ganapati & Siva.
The most attractive feature of this temple is Attukal Pongala festival because it has reached the Guinness Book of Records for biggest yearly gathering of Women. Every year hundreds seek blessings at this amazing event.
