The Sacred Space of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

Do you know that the first Christian church and the first Muslim mosque in India were built in Kerala? It is also noteworthy that the richest Hindu temple is located in Kerala. Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is deemed to be the richest temple in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Accordingly, the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is named after the presiding deity of the temple. ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ translates to Land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. When you get a chance to visit the city, you shall not squander it but visit Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. My friend, @binilk.v, and family recently visited the temple. He shares the images.

The History Of The Temple

Tracing the historical existence of the temple goes back to at least the 8^th century. Archaeologists supported by several findings and inscriptions reasoned that the temple had existed for centuries. At the same time, the faithful religiously follow the mythological origin of the temple. A belief claims that Divakara Muni, a sage, had a divine vision of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture. And the Lord appeared before him before transforming himself into an idol. It is believed that the first temple was constructed at the very site. The main idol of the Lord is in a reclining posture on the serpent named Anantha with a lotus emerging from his navel. Such a sight has coined the name of the temple.

The temple was part of the Travancore Kingdom. During the reign of Maharaja Marthanda Varma, he dedicated his kingdom to the Lord Padmanabhaswamy in 1750. It was he who initiated the restoration works of the temple and elevated its status to the present-day supremacy. Apart from the external works, he also introduced rituals like the Bhadra Deepam and Murajapam in the temple. The history of the temple recorded in the ‘Mathilakam’ documents is a key source of information.

The Architecture

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a typical example of Kerala-Dravidian architecture. A strict ban on photography inside the temple leaves the readers to imagine the spectacle that is Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Much like many other ancient temples in the country, this temple draws huge admiration and attention. The main tower of the temple, at a height of 100 feet, with impressive carvings and relief works, makes your jaw drop.

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an architectural wonder where spiritualism meets artistic skills. The unique 18-foot-long idol of the of Lord in the sanctum sanctorum is made from 12008 salagramams. Apart from that, there are many other life-size sculptures installed in the temple. Besides Lord Vishnu, there are huge idols of Lord Ganapati, Gaja Lakshmi, and Narasimha Swamy in the temple. A single stone slab, an enormous platform of granite that erupted in 1459-1460, is a masterpiece. Exquisite paintings, pillars, relief works, and murals embellish the entire structure of the temple.

Key Structures

The idol of the Lord in the sanctum sanctorum is the central point of attraction in Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The idol is placed in such a way that you cannot have a view of the whole idol from one angle. There are three doors to the idol. And from each door, you get to see different parts of the idol.

‘Dhwaja Stambham’ is a flag mast located at the eastern side of the temple complex. The 80-foot-tall teakwood structure is covered in a golden plate. At the top of the mast is placed a figure of an eagle, the mount of Lord Vishnu. ‘Abhisravana Mandapam’ is a prayer hall where sacred rituals are conducted during festivals. ‘Kulasekhara Mandapam’ is named after an ancient saint. The intricately carved structure is popular for the pillars that produce musical chimes when tapped. There are eleven stone structures like the ‘Bali Peeda Mandapam’ and ‘Mukha Mandapam’. They are halls embellished with sculptures of various Hindu deities. Also, there is the ‘Navagraha Mandapa’, the ceiling of which displays the navagrahas (the nine planets). Supported by 365 pillars, ‘Sreebalippura’ is a rectangular corridor that astonishes everyone.

It is interesting to note that the main temple complex houses the ‘Thiruvambadi Sree Krishnaswamy Temple’ near the western gate.

Padmatheertham Pond

A rectangular waterbody with a natural spring and a well in the middle of the pond characterizes the sacred Padmatheertham pond. Situated adjacent to the main temple, the pond is almost 800 years old. Currently, the pond is not open to the general public to take a dip. Yet, the pond with the temple in the backdrop is a soothing sight in the wee hours.

The Vaults

The presence of different vaults in the temple is a matter of controversy, curiosity, and mystery. Six underground vaults are found inside the temple. These are named as vaults A, B, C, D, E, and F. One question that is associated with the vaults is, ‘How much wealth is too much wealth?’ Such a question arises because of the unfathomable wealth deposited in these vaults. By the intervention of the Supreme Court and legal proceedings, Vault B was opened after being buried for centuries. The exact details of items extracted from these vaults can astound anyone. Gold coins, statues, jewelry, precious stones, crowns, and even golden thrones were discovered in them. While the other vaults are opened periodically, the mystery surrounding Vault B continues, as it has not been opened yet. Of course, you can go near them under the ever-watchful eyes of security guards and armed commandos.

Does this explain several security measures taken by the management of the temple?

Dress code

You have to follow a strict dress code to enter the temple premises. And more importantly, only Hindus are permitted inside the temple. Men have to wear a traditional dhoti worn around the waist, and the upper body can be covered with a shawl. For women saree or a skirt and blouse are the dress code. There are facilities near the temple that rent or sell the same. Of course, no footwears are allowed inside. As part of the strict security measures, you cannot wear any electronic gadgets inside.

Festivals

Painkuni Festival, a ten-day festival, and the Alpashi Utsavam are the two major festivals here. While the former festival is held in March or April, the latter falls in October or November, depending on the Malayalam calendar. Vishu, Onam, Navaratri, and Vinayaka Chaturthi are a few other notable festive occasions at the temple.

How To Reach?

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located at West Nada Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest bus stand and railway station are less than 2 km away, and the international airport is at a distance of 5 km.

It should take you a whole day to see most of the temple. It shall be a shame if you call it a day and leave the capital city after visiting the temple. There is Abhedashramam across the Padmatheertham pond, where they have been chanting rituals non-stop for seventy years. A series of notable temples, historical sites, palaces, beaches, and museums in and around Pazhavangadi are waiting to be explored. See, now you have more reasons to extend your stay in Thiruvananthapuram.