Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

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Overview

Situated inside the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the State of Kerala in India is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple committed to Lord Vishnu. This temple is a mix of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of building design.

The historical backdrop of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple goes back to eighth century. It is one of the 108 holy Vishnu temples or Divya Desams in India. Divya Desams are the holiest residences the Lord Vishnu that are said in progress of the Tamil Azhvars (holy people). The directing god of this temple is Lord Vishnu, leaning back on Anantha, the hooded Serpent.

Marthanda Varma, the prominent among Travancore lords did a noteworthy redesign to the temple and it brought about the present day structure of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. It was Marthanda Varma who presented the Murajapam and Bhadra Deepam celebrations in the temple. Murajapam, which actually implies nonstop droning of requests to God, is still led in the temple once in six years.

In 1750, Marthanda Varma devoted the kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha. Marthanda Varma promised that the illustrious family will govern the state in the interest of Lord and he and his relatives would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa or the Servant of Lord Padmanabha. From that point forward the name of each Travancore King was gone before by the title Padmanabha Dasa. The gift of the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabhaswamy was known as Thripadidanam. The present leader of the Travancore Royal Family is Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple according to conviction is situated at a spot that is considered as one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras. What's more, references of this temple arrive in writings such as the Puranas, viz. the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. The temple stands near the heavenly tank - Padma Theertham, which signifies 'lotus spring.'

The hallowed place is presently keep running by a trust headed by the recent regal group of Travancore.The way around to one side of the entryway offers great perspectives of the gopuram.The temple has a forcing seven level gopuram secured with delightful stone carvings. The temple has an expansive hallway with 324 designed columns and a 80 feet high brilliant banner staff. The dividers of the temple are secured with fascinating wall painting compositions portraying legendary stories. The Kulasekharamandapam, the principle stage inside the temple is delightful and magnificent. The whole design style followed in this temple is a blend of Dravidian and Kerala styles. This temple in its present structure is constructed by Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1729-1758), a standout amongst the most intense leaders of Travancore. The work on the temple was begun in 1731. In 1750, the Maharaja committed his kingdom to Lord Padmanabha, the directing god of the kingdom and accepted the title Padmanabhadasa or the worker of Lord Padmanabha. From that day onwards the leaders of Travancore complete all their regal and otherworldly obligations as the hirelings of the Lord.

Padmanabhaswamy temple is considered as one among the seven Parasurama shetras in Kerala and one among the 108 consecrated temples in India committed to Lord Vishnu. The old writings of Padma purana and Skanda purana have notice about this temple.

The temple has extremely extraordinary ceremonies. Two celebrations are praised each year, one in March-April and the second one in September-October. 56 day long Murajapam or continuous recitation of requests to God is led once in six years and once in twelve years the celebration of a million lights or the Lakshadeepam is directed. The temple is still given the status of the state temple and for the celebrations divisions of the outfitted and mounted police will go with the god for the arattu or the heavenly washing. Their band additionally play the melodies composed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.

Swathi Thirunal had an extremely extraordinary association with Lord Padmanabha and the temple. His life was an offering to the Lord. Every one of his tunes convey the stamp of aggregate commitment to Padmanabha. The most lovely of his melodies are on Lord Vishnu. "Vande Sada Padmanabham. Always I love thee Padmanabha, Thine is the tint of the water-loaded mists, Thy feet are the heavenly Mandara blooms to the individuals who bow to them, Always I venerate thee, my Lord" - Swathi Thirunal composed.

Place Overview

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala takes its name from the managing god of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple, who is otherwise called Anantha (one who leans back on the Serpent Ananatha). "Thiruvananthapuram" truly implies - the place that is known for Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.

Trivandrum's profound heart is this 260-year-old temple in the Fort territory. The principle passage is the 30m-tall, seven-level eastern gopuram (portal tower). In the inward sanctum (Hindus just), the divinity Padmanabha leans back on the holy serpent and is produced using more than 10,000 salagramam (sacrosanct stones) that were purportedly transported from Nepal by elephant.

Divinity Overview

The key divinity Vishnu is cherished in the “Anantha Shayanam” stance, the endless yogic think about the serpent Adisheshan. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary god of the illustrious group of Travancore. The main Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple as Sree Padmanabhadasa, the slave of Lord Padmanabha. In accordance with the Temple Entry Proclamation, just the individuals who affirm the Hindu confidence are allowed passage to the temple and devotees need to entirely take after the clothing regulation

The icon inside the sanctum santorum is as the Lord leaning back on the Holy Serpent Anantha. It is 18 feet long forcing figure fabricated with Salagrama stones brought from Nepal and it is secured with gold and valuable stone.

The toll of temple chimes, the aroma of incense sticks wafting noticeable all around, the Padmanabhaswamy temple opens a door to an alternate world. Venturing once more from the quick paced world, we get transported to a long overlooked time, one where life wasn't a divider to push against but instead something to be acknowledged and appreciated however for a chosen few. A world where treacheries in view of rank and class flourished, the remainders of that world still stay, in the hearts of some in the activities of others. While antiquated structures and scripts take us back to that world, the progressions that have happened will emerge against the foundation of the past. With its Dravidian style structural planning and antiquated Gopuram, this temple in Trivandrum definitely drives us back ,to the myths ,the legends, the histories, twisted by retelling over the ages yet fit for motivating amazement. Legend has it that at the sincere solicitation of a devotee Lord Vishnu shows up in an endless yogic rest pose so that his enthusiast could go round him and offer his regards.

The survey of the temple's underground vaults was attempted by a seven-part board designated by the Supreme Court of India to create a stock, prompting the specification of a limitless accumulation of articles that are customarily kept carefully guarded. A point by point stock of the temple resources, comprising of gold, gems and different assets was made. This disclosure has hardened the status of the Padmanabhaswamy temple as one of the wealthiest temples on the planet. The resources are thought to have been in the temple for many years, having been put there by the past Maharajahs of Travancore.

In the meantime, a few antiquarians have recommended that a noteworthy piece of the put away wealth came to the rulers as expense, blessings, and additionally vanquished abundance of states and offerings supplied in the temple for protection. In any case, it must be recollected that in Travancore, a refinement was constantly made among Government Treasury (Karuvelam), Temple Treasury (Thiruvara Bhandaram or Sri Bhandaram) and the Royal Treasury (Chellam).

Amid the rule of Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, many temples that were bungled were brought under the Government. The overabundance adornments in these temples were exchanged to the vaults of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Rather, the assets of Sri Padmanabha Temple were used for the every day upkeep of these temples.

About the Temple

The temple structural planning emerges for its work in stone and bronze. The temple insides are enhanced by delightful artworks and wall paintings. Some of them are that of the life-size pictures of Lord Vishnu in the leaning back stance, Narasimha Swamy (half-lion, half man incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Ganapati and Gaja Lakshmi. The temple has a dhwaja stamba (banner post) that is around 80 ft high and is secured with gold plated copper sheets.

The temple additionally makes them interest auxiliary components as Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. These are lobbies, embellished with excellent figures of different Hindu gods. Another structure that catches consideration here is the Navagraha Mandapa the roof of which shows the navagrahas (the nine planets).

Temple Architecture

In the sanctum sanctorum, Padmanabha leans back on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The serpent has five hoods confronting inwards, meaning thought. The Lord's correct hand is put over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi-Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are close by. Brahma rises on a lotus, which exudes from the navel of the Lord. The divinity is produced using 12,000 saligramams.These saligrams are from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal, and to celebrate this specific ceremonies used to be performed at the Pashupatinath Temple. The god of Padmanabha is secured with, "Katusarkara yogam", an uncommon ayurvedic blend, which frames a mortar that keeps the god clean. The day by day worship is with blooms and for the abhishekam, uncommon gods are utilized.

The stages before the vimanam and where the god rests, are both cut out of a solitary monstrous stone and subsequently called "Ottakkal-mandapam." On the requests of Marthanda Varma (1706–58), the Ottakkal-mandapam was removed of a stone at Thirumala, around 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the temple. It gauged 20 square feet (1.9 m2) by 2.5 feet (0.76 m) thick and was put before the god in the month of Edavom 906 M.E. (1731 AD). In the meantime, Marthanda Varma additionally brought 12,000 shaligrams, aniconic representations of Vishnu, from the Gandaki River, north of Benares (now known as Varanasi) to the temple. These were utilized as a part of the reconsecration of the Padmanabha .

Keeping in mind the end goal to perform darshan and puja, one needs to rise to the mandapam. The Deity is unmistakable through three entryways – the look of the leaning back Lord and Siva Linga underneath the hand is seen through the first entryway; Sridevi and Divakara Muni in Katusarkara, Brahma situated on a lotus exuding from the Lord's navel, henceforth the name, "Padmanabha", gold abhisheka moorthies of Lord Padmanabha, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthi of Padmanabha during that time entryway; the Lord's feet, and Bhudevi and Kaundinya Muni in Katusarkara through the third entryway. Just the King of Travancore might perform sashtanga namaskaram, or prostrate on the "Ottakkal Mandapam". It is generally held that anyone who prostrates on the mandapam has surrendered all that he has to the Deity. Subsequent to the ruler has effectively done that, he is allowed to prostrate on this mandapam.

Reaching out from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum is an expansive hallway which has 365 and one-quarter formed rock stone columns with delightful carvings. There is a ground floor beneath under the fundamental passage in the eastern side, which is known as the nataka sala, where Kerala's established work of art - the Kathakali is performed amid the yearly ten-day celebration at the temple, held amid the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

Other than the acknowledged profound and basic perspectives, the accompanying ten attributes hoist the position of a temple to a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). They are artifact, vicinity of records, verifiable significance, cause in a woods, proximity to a sea, area at a height, illustrious associations, notice in antiquated literary works, eminence of structural planning and magnificence of celebrations. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple qualifies every one of these attributes.

It is trusted that twelve Salagramas stones, when revered together pick up the power of a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). The inside of the Katusarkara Idol of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is comprised of twelve thousand and eight (12008) Salagramas gathered from the bed of the stream Gandaki in Nepal. Salagramas speak to Sree Maha Vishnu. This Temple picks up the enormity and sacredness of a thousand awesome temples.

The vicinity of Shiva inside of the Sreekovil adds noteworthiness to the holiness of a Maha Kshetram committed to Vishnu. Numerous zones of the Temple are enhanced with the pictures of Lord Shiva. As in numerous different Temples in Malayala Nadu, this Temple too stood free of clique conflicts that regularly damaged the substance of universal religion in some portion of India. Siva's vicinity is evidence enough.

The Ottakkal Mandapam (single stone stage) in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a striking element. The Mandapam is before the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy. This structure is manufactured with a solitary chunk of rock which is more than two feet thick and twenty feet square. The Abhishekams to Sree Padmanabhaswamy are performed in this Mandapam. Its rock columns are secured with gold.

This structure is before the Ottakkal Mandapam however outside the Cherruchuttu containing the sanctum sanctorum. Extraordinary poojas related with Temple celebrations are performed here. Aficionados utilize this Mandapam for reflection and supplication to God.

It is a grand and awesome engineering take a shot at stone. It is otherwise called Aayiramkaal Mandapam and Sapthaswara Mandapam. It is upheld by 28 balustrades of columns. The columns on the four corners can deliver musical notes when tapped. The columns are enhanced with flawlessly cut figures into equal parts and full alleviation.

An eighty feet high shaft close to the eastern hallway was introduced by Anizham Tirunal. A teak wood of this measurement was conveyed from the adjacent timberland to the Temple. According to Sastras the wood ought not touch the ground while in transport. The teak post was then secured totally with gold foils. The pinnacle of the banner shaft has a figure of Garuda Swamy, in bowing stance.

The Temple has nine doorways, demonstrating the nine openings of the human body.

The Temple has a radiant Sreebalippura. This radiant rectangular passage fabricated of stone encompasses the fundamental altars and it is through this hall that the Vahanams are taken out amid Sreebali(procession). Records say that every day 4000 stone artisans, 6000 workers and 100 elephants worked for a time of 6 months to complete the development of the Sreebalippura. Sreebalippura is bolstered by 365 and an one quarter of columns. Every column is a stone monument. The expert artisan Ananthapadmanabha Moothassari was responsible for the work.

The Temple has countless water assets arranged even in spots far from the Temple. Of these, the fundamental one Padmatheertham is situated on the eastern side of the Temple. Padmatheertham is one of the most seasoned water bodies in the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

Huge quantities of chimes embellish the Temple. By and large the tip of the ringer has a metal banian leaf appended to its tongue.

Another element of this Temple is the assortment of Mandapams (stages). There are 11 mandapams in the Temple and 8 in the Padmatheertham lake.

The external dividers of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Padmanabha and Sree Krishna are enhanced with wall paintings. Of these, the Ananthasayanam on the rear of the sanctum is termed as the biggest one among the temple paintings of Kerala, and was painted by a Brahmin craftsman by name Chalayil Kalahasti. It is of 18 feet long.

Despite the fact that the Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is inside the fundamental Temple dividers, it appreciates the status of a different Temple with independent banner staff, hallowed stones and its own particular customs and ceremonies. It is entirely strange.

The temple building design emerges for its work in stone and bronze. The temple insides are decorated by wonderful depictions and wall paintings. Some of them are that of the life-size pictures of Lord Vishnu in the leaning back stance, Narasimha Swamy (half-lion, half man incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Ganapati and Gaja Lakshmi. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a dhwaja stamba (banner post) that is around 80 ft high and is secured with gold plated copper sheets.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple likewise makes them interest basic components as Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. These are lobbies, finished with excellent models of different Hindu gods. Another structure that catches consideration here is the Navagraha Mandapa the roof of which shows the navagrahas (the nine planets).

Stretching out from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum is an expansive hall which has 365 and one-quarter formed rock stone columns with wonderful carvings. There is a ground floor beneath under the principle passage in the eastern side, which is known as the nataka sala, where Kerala's traditional work of art - the Kathakali is performed amid the yearly ten-day celebration at the temple, held amid the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

The temple has a 100 foot, seven-level gopuram. The temple remains by the side of a tank, named Padma Theertham . The temple has a hall with 365 and one-quarter molded rock stone columns with intricate carvings. This hallway reaches out from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum. An eighty-foot banner staff remains before the principle section from the 'prakaram'. The ground floor under the gopuram (fundamental passage in the eastern side) is known as the 'Nataka Sala' where the acclaimed temple craftsmanship, Kathakali was organized in the night amid the ten-day uthsavam directed twice per year, amid the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

The Temple has a seven storeyed gopuram based on the eastern passage. It is a fine case of South Indian building design an is only in Dravidian style. It is around 35 meters stature. On the top there are 7 brilliant vaults proposing pointers to the seven Worlds. The 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu are depicted inside the first story of the gopuram. The other three doorways are twofold storied Padippuras in common Kerala Style. Section to the upper levels of the Gopuram is limited.

Inside the Temple, there are two other imperative altars, Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi, for the Deities, Ugra Narasimha and Krishna Swami individually. Thiruvambadi place of worship appreciates an autonomous status and originates before the altar of Padmanabha. Thiruvambadi hallowed place has its own namaskara mandapam, bali stones and flagmast. The Lord of Thiruvambadi is Parthasarathi, the Divine Charioteer of Arjuna. The rock symbol of the Lord of Thiruvambadi was brought from Gujarat by seventy two groups of Vrishni Vamsa Kshatriyas. As these Vrishnies have a place with the heredity of Lord Krishna, they are known as Krishnan vakakkar. The two-equipped rock icon, with one hand holding the whip and the other laying on the left thigh expecting the conch near remember, is in standing stance. On Ekadasi days the Lord is dressed and embellished as Mohini. There are additionally hallowed places for Rama joined by Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Vishwaksena (the Nirmalyadhari of Vishnu and Remover of Obstacles), Vyasa, Ganapati, Sasta and Kshetrapala (who protects the temple). Fantastic symbols of Garuda and Hanuman stand with collapsed hands in the Valiya balikkal area.The thevara icons of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma are housed in the south east part of the Temple.

Among the six vaults in the temple, Kallara B is nearly connected with Lord Sree Padmanabha and is not part of the Temple Treasury. On the requests of Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the furthest risk assembly of Kallara B was opened in 1931. In 2011, it was opened by the Observers designated by the Supreme Court of India.But the eyewitnesses did not open the inward chamber which conceivably houses a Srichakram, a symbol of Padmanabha and innumerable resources intended to improve the power of the Presiding Deity. In addition, Devas, Rishis and Kanjirottu Yakshi dwell in the internal chamber loving the Supreme Lord. The captivating and brutal types of Kanjirottu Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of the principle Sanctum. Ruler Ugra Narasimha of Thekkedom is accepted to be the Protector of Vault B

There is a serpent's picture on Vault B demonstrating risk to any individual who opens it. A four-day Ashtamangala Devaprasnam directed in August 2011 announced the internal assembly of Kallara B as illegal territory. However, Gopal Subramanium in his report submitted to the Supreme Court in April 2014 suggested opening of this Kallara in the wake of leading another Devaprasnam.

Temples where 'Swamiyar Pushpanjali' is directed are petitioners to additional sacredness. Sannyasins from any of the religious communities established by the pupils of Adi Sankara in Thrissur do pushpanjali (blossom worship) every day to Padmanabha, Narasimha Moorthi and Krishna Swami. Of these cloisters, Naduvil Madhom is the most critical as Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, the originator of this Temple, had a place with this religious community. At first, Koopakkara Potties were the Tantries of the Temple. Later, Tantram was exchanged to Tharananallur Nambuthiripads of Iranjalakkuda. The Nambies, out and out four in number, are the Chief Priests of the Temple. Two Nambies - Periya Nambi and Panchagavyathu Nambi - are assigned to Padmanabha and one Nambi each to Narasimha Moorthi and Krishna Swami. The Nambies hail from either side of the Chandragiri River. They are selected by the Pushpanjali Swamiyar.