 |
| Kulasekhara Mandapam, Kerala image credit: .keralaculture.org |
Above image: Kulasekhara Mandapam, Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram of kerala state. Designed in Dravida style the hall is famous for 28 richly ornate stone musical pillars.
 |
| Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram i.pinimg.com |
The Kulasekhara Mandapam, located within the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, is an extraordinary architectural feat, renowned for its 28 musical pillars. These pillars, meticulously crafted from stone, are unique in that they produce distinct musical notes when gently tapped. The pillars are arranged in clusters, and each larger pillar contains several thinner, smaller columns known as "miniature pillars." When struck, these miniature columns resonate with different tones, creating sounds that correspond to various scales of Indian classical music.
This remarkable feature demonstrates the profound understanding of acoustics and stonework held by ancient artisans. The precision in the sculpting process, combined with the natural resonant qualities of the stone, allows these pillars to emit harmonious musical notes, making them not only an artistic but also a scientific marvel.
The Kulasekhara Mandapam derives its name from Kulasekhara Alvar, a Chera king and one of the revered Alvars, the Vaishnavite saints devoted to Lord Vishnu. The mandapam is an integral part of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form, known as Anantha Padmanabha. Richly adorned with intricate carvings and mythological depictions, the mandapam exudes the sacred ambiance of this ancient temple it is also called Saptaswara mandapam or Aayiramkaal mandapam. The main 18 ft idol in Sayana posture is composed of 12008 Shaligrams and is viewed . through the three doors of the sanctum, showing three parts of the God.
The mandapam serves as a venue for various religious ceremonies and cultural performances, enhancing the spiritual experience of devotees. Its architectural beauty and the musical pillars reflect the temple's cultural and religious significance, rooted in the traditions of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only famous for its wealth and historical significance but also for architectural wonders like the Kulasekhara Mandapam, which stands as a testament to the artistic and scientific achievements of ancient Kerala.
This temple is close to the railway station of the capital city of Kerala and is well connected by roads and air.
https://www.sahapedia.org/pillars-sing-architectural-marvels-indian-temples
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmanabhaswamy_Temple
https://99pandit.com/blog/sree-padmanabhaswamy-temple-trivandrum/
.jpg)
.jpg)
