The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple's origins are steeped in legend, with some tracing it back to the mythical Kannaki, while others believe it was founded by the chieftain of the Mulloor family around 800 years ago. The temple gained prominence during the reign of the Travancore kings and became a significant center of worship. The Pongala festival's origins are linked to Kannaki's legend, where she is said to have cooked rice on the streets after being wronged. Over the centuries, the temple and the festival have grown in scale and importance, becoming an integral part of Kerala's cultural and religious landscape.