The significance of Attukal Devi Temple Pongala is entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest annual gathering of women in the world in a single place on a single day irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Also only women can prepare the offering. Normally it is done by the priest of the temple. One of the importance of this festival is that you can prepare the offering to Devi. The earth pot and rice symbolize the earth along with water, fire, wind and sky (panchabuta, five elements of life and the various species originated by the combination of planetary globes and the five manifestations of nature namely air, water, fire, land and sky) are combined together in pongala. Pongala is a sweet pudding usually made with rice, jaggery (unrefined sugar), ghee and coconut. In order reduce the anger of the Devi, women made this pongala. Finally Devi defeated him in the battle and killed him. Then all the gods came together and created the most powerful women Devi to kill Mahisaura. As result of this he become so notorious and starts creating troubles all over the world. Mahisura was a demon who worshiped Lord Brahma (who take care of birth according to Hindu mythology) and got boon that no man can kill him. Other one is to pacify the Devi who killed Mahishasura. Women made pongala in hearth as result she got pacified and gave them blessings. There are a couple of legends behind Attukal Pongala, one is that in order to pacify Kannagi (Kannaki) who killed Pandya king in revenge of killing her innocent husband. So this time I decide to make pongala in home. Now I am here in Houston, still everything coming in my mind like a film flashback.

My mom and I used to do Attukal pongala, and she started doing it for me to get a good husband. Pongala (Ponkala) is a special offering made by the women to Attukal Devi. Monday March 9th 2o20 is an auspicious day for people in Thiruvanthapuram, capital city of Kerala, South India, my hometown. Pongala payasam a delicious,traditional sweet rice pudding made with jaggery, coconut, rice and cardamom offered during Attukal temple festival

Meni thula payasam recipe