The Padmanabha Swamy Temple, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a testament to India’s spiritual and architectural grandeur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams—sacred shrines glorified in Tamil Azhwar hymns. The deity is depicted in the Ananthasayanam posture, in eternal yogic sleep reclining on the serpent Adisesha, with Brahma emanating from a lotus on his navel. This awe-inspiring huge idol (moolavar) is made from 10008 Saligrams, sacred stones from Nepal’s Gandaki River, and is coated with Katusarkara Yogam, a unique Ayurvedic plaster mix.This kind of stone idol in Srec kovil -sanctum is rare.
 |
| padmanabhaswamy temple.Kerala gqndia.com |
 |
| three views.padmanabaswamytemple.wordpress.com |
The temple's architectural splendor combines Dravidian and Kerala styles, showcasing elements from both traditions. The 100-foot-tall gopuram, built in the 16th century, reflects Tamil Nadu’s temple architecture with intricate carvings and tiered pyramidal towers. In contrast, traditional Kerala-style sloping roofs and intricate woodwork can be seen in structures like the Natakasala (dance hall), where classical Kathakali performances take place during festivals. The Navratri mandapam is famous for the festival and the festival was named in honour of the Maharajah of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma and is organized by his descendant in the Royal Family, Prince Rama Varma
A distinctive feature is the Ottakkal Mandapam, the sanctum sanctorum carved out of a single monolithic stone. The massive reclining idol of Vishnu can be viewed through three separate doors. Through the first door, devotees see Vishnu’s face and a Shiva Linga under his hand. The second door offers a view of Brahma seated on a lotus and the Utsava Murthi, while the third door reveals the deity's sacred feet, signifying surrender.
The temple also holds the distinction of being the richest place of worship globally. Its underground vaults contain treasures, including gold, jewels, and coins, worth billions, underscoring its historical importance as a center of wealth and devotion. The treasures alone are valued at more than $ 25 billion excluding their antique value. One vault containing gold jewelry, gemstones, etc remains not opened for mystic reasons. Their value may run into billions of US dollars.
The temple underwent significant renovation in the 18th century under Marthanda Varma, the Travancore king who pledged his kingdom to the deity, adopting the title Padmanabha Dasa (servant of Padmanabha). This act established Lord Padmanabha as the eternal ruler of Travancore.
Festivals such as Laksha Deepam (lighting of 100,000 lamps) and Navaratri add to the temple’s cultural vibrancy. Adjacent to the temple lies the sacred Padma Theertham tank, enhancing the sanctity of this architectural marvel. The Padmanabha Swamy Temple stands as a symbol of devotion, artistic excellence, and heritage, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. At this temple primarily oil lamps are lit in the entire temple and the management shuns electric lights as much as possible.
During Navaratri festival the Saraswati idol is reverentially taken in a procession from the palace (built by the local Maharajah) in Tamil nadu close to state line and once the festival is over is taken back to the old palace. The annual Aarattu ritual - (the bathing of festival idol in the nearby waterbody) at this temple is popular with the participation of the Royal Family of Travancore (former Princely State of Travancore) who once ruled the state prior to 1947.
.jpeg) |
| Aarattu ritual,thehidu.com |
https://keralatourism.travel/padmanabhaswamy-temple-trivandru
keralatourism.travel/padmanabhaswaivamo y-temple-trivandrum
https://www.navrangindia.in/2024/02/arattu-festival-or-ritual-of-kerala.ht
.jpg)
