Every Hindu woman looks forward to the annual festival of Attukal Pongala. In 2011 it falls on Saturday, February 19th.
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is in the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. The Pongala Mahotsavam is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is believed to be Kannaki, in her divine form the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva.
It is a ten-day festival commencing on the Karthika nakshatram [star] of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthi -tharpanam at night. On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place, that is on Pooram nakshatram.
Millions of women gather around the temple for Pongala. They do the rituals religiously. The whole city is cleaned and every road and houses are crowded. The offering for the Goddess is cooked on new earthen pots. Most of the women observe fasting during these days.
Rice,ghee,jiggery and coconut are used to make Naivedyam. Everyone lights the fire for the pongala at the auspicious time announced by the temple priests.
This is a women’s festival. The faith in Attukalamma is obviously seen on every face while they perform the rituals. One who offers pongala once, comes here every following year as if pulled by a divine force. Such is the Greatness of Attukalamma, the mother of all.
Devi Sthuthi
Sarva Mangala Mangalye
Sive Sarvardha Sadhike
Saranye Threyambake Gowri
Narayani Namo Sthuthe
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