The temple's origins date back to the 6th-7th century CE, though the current structure has been renovated several times. According to temple history, the idol was discovered by a local man cutting wood near a pond — the axe accidentally struck a stone from which blood began to flow. The stone was recognized as the self-manifested form of the goddess, and a small shrine was established.
Over the centuries, the temple grew in prominence, especially under the patronage of the Travancore royal family. The modern temple administration was formalized with the establishment of the Attukal Temple Trust. The temple gained international recognition in 2009 when the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women was awarded for its Pongala festival, and the temple has since become a symbol of women's collective faith in Kerala.
