Legend And History

The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. it's insufferable to see with any exactness, from any reliable historical documents or different sources on once and by whom the first idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatha says that Balarama visited this Temple, bathed in Padmatheertham and created many offerings. Nammalwar, ninth century writer and one of the twelve Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition, has composed 10 hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Some accepted students, writers and historians, just like the late Dr. L.A.Ravi Varma of Travancore, have expressed the read that this Temple was established on the primary day of Kali Yuga (which is over 5000 years ago). The legends of the Temple ar bimanual down through the centuries. One such legend that finds an area within the recent palm leaf records of the Temple, as conjointly within the famed grantha entitled “Ananthasayana Mahatmya”, mentions that it had been consecrated by a Tulu Brahmin hermit named Divakara Muni. On the 950th year of Kali Yuga a reinstallation of the idol was done. within the 960th Kali year King Kotha Marthandan engineered the Abhisravana Mandapam.

The story as narrated within the Ananthasayana Mahatmya goes as follows.

Divakara Muni was a good Vishnu Bhaktha. whereas at ‘Aanarthadesa’, he performed deep tapas. someday Maha Vishnu appeared before the sage as a stunning kid. The charming kid attracted the eye of the sage. He requested the God-child to remain with him. the kid created his keep conditional. consequently, the Hindu ought to treat him with respect. On failing to try to to thus, he would vanish directly. This was accepted and therefore the kid stayed with him. The hermit gave him tutelage and tolerated the infantile pranks. One day, once the Hindu was in deep meditation at his prayers, the chills took the ‘salagram’ that the Hindu was exploitation for worship and place it into his mouth and created such a nuisance of himself that Divakara mini was greatly furious and will tolerate it no additional. He with that disciplined the kid. In accordance with the sooner agreement, straightaway the kid ran away and disappeared from the spot. whereas going he aforesaid, “If you want to ascertain Maine once more, you'll notice Maine once more in Ananthankaadu”. it had been solely then that Divakara Muni complete UN agency his erstwhile kid guest had been. The hermit was stricken with inconsolable  grief and for several days followed what, he believed was the route taken by the kid preceding food, rest and sleep within the method.

 
Finally he reached a jungle close to the ocean coast, caught a glimpse of the kid disappearing into a large ‘Ilappa’ tree. straightaway the tree fell into the bottom and it assumed the shape of Sree Maha Vishnu. The divine type had its head at ‘Thiruvallam’(a place concerning three miles from East Fort at wherever the Temple of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is located) and its feet at ‘Trippapur’ (5 miles away towards the north). awestricken by the grandness and therefore the size of the divine type, that manifested before him, the Hindu prayed to the Lord to condense Himself in size so he might see Him. There upon the image of the Lord shrank to a size, thrice the length of the Sanyasy’s Yoga Dand. His prayers had been granted. He straightaway offered a raw mango in an exceedingly coconut shell(still this providing continues). The Lord ordained that, poojas to Him ought to be conducted by Tulu Brahmins. to the current day 0.5 the amount of poojaris(priests) during this Temple represent Tulu region.

Another usually accepted version concerning the origin of the Temple relates it to the famed Namboothiri Hindu Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, whose name is connected with the histories of many temples in Southern Bharat. This Swamiyar was conjointly a Vishnu bhaktha. The legend is nearly identical thereupon of Divakara Muni referred higher than. it's aforesaid that, once Sree Maha Vishnu conferred himself within the Ananthasayana rupa (in the shape of reclining on Anantha) before the sage at Ananthankaadu, the latter had nothing worthy to supply Him. From a mango standing near  he plucked a couple of unripe mangoes and placed them in an exceedingly coconut shell lying there and altogether humility offered it as ‘nivedyam’ to the Lord. Even nowadays preserved mango forms a significant providing. the first coconut shell has been cased in gold. it's conjointly been the follow within the Temple for the past many centuries that the morning ‘pushpanjali’ is to be performed by a Namboothiri Brahmin Hindu (designated Pushpanjaly Swamiyar) specially commissioned for this purpose.

These ancient customs as well as the very fact that the Pushpanjali Swamiyar holds a footing of importance within the ‘Ettara Yogam’ (a committee that, at just one occasion within the distant past, was the body of the Temple however has, over the years, become a ceremonial and informative  panel) lend substance and a few measures of credence to the idea that this Temple was based by Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar. On the opposite hand the legend of the Divakara Muni is supported by the presence of an oversized variety of Tulu Brahmins. Besides being depicted within the ‘Yogam’, the Namboothiri Brahmins even have a footing of eminence within the rituals and ceremonies of theTtemple . The Tantries(high priests) have perpetually been from the Tharananalloor family happiness to the current community. it's conjointly believed that the tiny Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, settled close to the Western Swamiyar Madham (residence of 1 of the 2 Pushpanjali Swamiyars of the Temple) has been engineered over the Samadhi of Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar.

Some historians and researchers hold the read that the Thiruvambadi shrine of Sree Krishna Swamy is older than the shrine of Sree Padmanabhaswamy. in line with legend the Sree Narasimhaswamy and Sree Sastha shrines were established when the installation of the idol of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy. there's mention within the ‘Bhagavatha Purana’ (canto ten, chapter 79) that Sree Balarama visited “Syanandoorapuram” or “Ananthasayam” (Thiruvananthapuram) within the course of His pilgrim's journey. equally within the ‘Brahmanda Purana’ conjointly there's a relevance “Syanandoorapura”. These references show that this Temple is of nice antiquity and has been control in veneration over the centuries as a vital seat of Sree Maha Vishnu. The compositions of Nammalvar, the good Vaishnavite saint, in praise of Sree Maha Vishnu of this town, prove certainly that this Temple existed within the ninth century of this era. within the year 1050A.D.(225ME), the Temple was reconstructed and therefore the management re-organized by the then ruler.

The next vital recorded events relate to the amount between 1335 A.D. and 1384 A.D. once Venad was dominated by a robust and wise king named Veera Marthanda Varma. He step by step established his authority utterly over the management and administration of the Temple. There ar records to point that within the year 1375 A.D. the Alpasi Utsavam (ten days competition control in October-November) was conducted within the Temple. a number of the vital events concerning the Temple that materialized when the ending of this ruler till 1729 A.D. ar given below.

 
Between 1459 A.D. and 1460 A.D. the idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was removed to a ‘Balalaya’ for the aim of re-construction of the roof of the sanctum sanctorum.

In 1461 A.D. the idol was re put in associated an Ottakkal Mandapam (Single granite stone block conterminous the sanctum sanctorum) was place up.

In 1566 A.D. the muse was arranged  for the Gopuram (pagoda) over the most japanese entrance.

In 1686 A.D. the Temple was nearly absolutely destroyed in an exceedingly major hearth accident. Work on the re- construction of the Temple was started solely in 1724.

In 1728 A.D. propitiatory ceremonies, connected with the intense hearth of 1686, were conducted.

It was within the year 1729 that the good ruler Marthanda Varma became the king of Travancore. He took the steps to renovate the Temple. In 1730 the idol was once more rapt to ‘Balalaya’ before the renovation and reconstruction of the sanctum sanctorum. It took 2 years for completion. The recent wood idol was replaced by the one that we have a tendency to see nowadays. made from extremely complicated amalgam referred to as Katusarkarayogam, it contains 12008 Salagrams at intervals it. Most of what's seen nowadays at intervals the walls of the temple were made. it's recorded that 4000 sculptors, half-dozen000 labourers and one hundred elephants worked for a amount of 6 months to end the development of the sreebalippura (the rectangular corridor). This splendid rectangular passageway engineered of solid stones protects the Deities throughout seeveli on rainy days. The gopuram that the muse had been arranged  in 1566, was engineered throughout this era. equally the flag-staff before of the most shrine was conjointly erected at now. Teak wood of needed size was brought from the forest for this purpose and transported to the Temple in such the way that no a part of the wood touched the bottom. The pole was then lined utterly with gold sheets. The renovation of the Temple tank, the Padmatheertham, {including|as we have a tendency toll as|together with} the flight steps and its completion within the type we see it nowadays was conjointly undertaken throughout this nice ruler’s time.

Fifth Makaram 925ME, nineteenth or twentieth January 1750AD, stood witness to the act of a chic dedication and therefore the final providing doable for a chief of state – the Thrippadi Danam. when the completion of bound non secular ceremonies prince Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma arrived within the Temple in conjunction with the male members of the family, his sure Diwan and different officers. In presence of the Swamiyar, members of the Yogam and Brahmins the prince submitted to Sree Padmanabha Hindu deity, his entire State of Travancore in conjunction with his total right it thence by putting the Crown, the royal umbrella, the dual white Chauries (fans), the Manikandha – that were all symbols of royalty, in conjunction with some thulasi leaves on the Mandapam. Last however most vital, he placed his famed arm (the undoubted badge of sovereign authority that the King valued the foremost and that had lashed its unleashed velours in unnumberable battle fields) within the steps of the Ottakkal Mandapam. Even before this, that the male members of the royalty, at the age of 1, ware arranged  on the Ottakkal mandapam and given to Sree Padmanabhaswamy as His own, gaining the supreme title ‘Sree Padmanabha Dasa’.

In 1758, throughout the reign of Sree Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, the fabulous Kulasekhara Mandapam was build. it's a fabulous and fantastic subject work on stone. it's conjointly referred to as Aayiramkal Mandapam and Sapthaswara Mandapam. it's supported by twenty eight balustrades of pillars. The pillars on the four corners will manufacture musical notes once taped.

In 1820 a awfully huge mural mirroring the Ananthasayanam, that is termed because the biggest within the temple murals of Kerala, was drawn throughout the amount of ranee Goury Parvathi Bayi.

Among the rulers of the erstwhile Travancore prince Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma ranks together among the foremost illustrious royal personalities, UN agency dominated in his twin capability as Dasa and Ruler. He dominated as a Sage among Kings. The Kshethra Praveshan Vilambram or the Temple Entry Proclamation was in 1936 that was the significant  event of the Maharaja’s non secular and political life. This Proclamation, issued on the eve of his twenty forth birthday, has been thought of by evaluators because the most socially progressive and religiously liberal ordinance enacted in Bharat. it had been a revolutionary and valiant action initiated for the primary time within the country towards the demolition of untouchability. the remainder of Bharat followed his footsteps.

Both the Thrippadi Danam and therefore the Kshethrapraveshana Vilambaram created history and stand out by themselves as lasting tributes to the immenseness of heart and nobility of conception of these UN agency visualised them.

In 1991, when the ending of Sree Padmanabha Dasa Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma, Sree Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma assumed charge of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In compliance with the sanction already accorded by Sree Chithira Thirunal, Sree Uthradam Thirunal conducted the Kodi Archana within the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In 1992, prince Sree Chithira Thirunal’s personal worship idols were put in within the Temple premises.

The mass singing of Sahasranama was freshly introduced on public request. The gold covering of the most Balikkal that was started 2 years before was completed in 1993. taking part in of the musical instrument referred to as ‘Edakka’ re-introduced in 1994. Another vital work of that year was the gold add the slender window-like half at the feet of the Lord on the northern aspect of the outer wall of the sanctum. The Murajapam and Lakshadeepam were conjointly conducted within the Temple within the grand manner that happens once in six years. The last Lakshadeepam celebrated in 2008 and therefore the next falls on 2014.

 
Attractions and options

Features of Dhegiha Kshetram (Great Temple)

Other than the accepted religious and structural aspects, the subsequent 10 characteristics elevate the position of a temple to a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). they're antiquity, presence of records, historical importance, origin in a very forest, distance to Associate in Nursing ocean, location at Associate in Nursing elevation, royal connections, mention in ancient literatures, magnificence of design and grandeur of festivals. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple qualifies of these characteristics.

Ananthasayanam Idol

It is believed that twelve Salagramas stones, once adored along gain the efficiency of a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). the inside of the Katusarkara Idol of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is formed of twelve thousand and eight (12008) Salagramas collected from the bed of the watercourse Gandaki in Asian nation. Salagramas represent Sree Dhegiha Vishnu. This Temple gains the niceness and holiness of one thousand great temples.

The presence of Shiva

The presence of Shiva at intervals the Sreekovil adds significance to the holiness of a Dhegiha Kshetram dedicated to Vishnu. several aras of the Temple are adorned with the photographs of Lord Shiva. As in several different Temples in Malayala Nadu, this Temple too stood freed from cult clashes that usually marred the face of orthodox faith partly of Asian country. Siva’s presence is proof enough.

Ottakkal Mandapam

The Ottakkal Mandapam (single stone platform) within the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple could be a putting feature. The Mandapam is before of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy. This structure is made with one block of granite that is 2 and a 0.5 feet thick and twenty feet sq.. The Abhishekams to Sree Padmanabhaswamy ar performed during this Mandapam. Its granite pillars ar coated with gold.

Abhisravana Mandapam

This structure is before of the Ottakkal Mandapam however outside the Cherruchuttu containing the sanctum sanctorum. Special poojas connected with Temple festivals ar performed here. Devotees use this Mandapam for meditation and prayer.

Kulasekhara Mandapam

It is a wonderful and fantastic subject field work on stone. it's conjointly called Aayiramkaal Mandapam and Sapthaswara Mandapam. it's supported by twenty eight balustrades of pillars. The pillars on the four corners will turn out musical notes once broached. The pillars ar adorned with fine incised figures in 0.5 and full relief.

The Golden flag-staff (Dwaja Stambham)

An eighty feet high pole close to the jap passageway was put in by Associate in Nursingizham Tirunal. A teak wood of this dimension was carried from the near  forest to the Temple. As per Sastras the wood shouldn't bit the bottom whereas in transport. The teak pole was then coated utterly with gold foils. The apex of the flag pole incorporates a figure of Hindu deity Swamy, in motion posture.

Nine Entrances

The Temple has 9 entrances, indicating the 9 orifices of the body.

Gopuram

The Temple incorporates a seven high-rise gopuram engineered on the jap entrance. it's a fine example of South Indian design Associate in Nursing is solely in Dravidian vogue. it's concerning thirty five meters height. On the highest there ar seven golden domes suggesting tips that could the seven Worlds. the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu ar delineate within the primary structure of the gopuram. the opposite 3 entrances ar double storied Padippuras in typical Kerala vogue. Entry to the higher levels of the Gopuram is restricted.

The Sreebalippura (Corridor)

The Temple incorporates a marvelous Sreebalippura. This brilliant rectangular passageway engineered of stone surrounds the most shrines and it's through this passageway that the Vahanams ar taken out throughout Sreebali(procession). Records say that daily 4000 stone artisans, half dozen000 laborers and one hundred elephants worked for a amount of 6 months to end the development of the Sreebalippura. Sreebalippura is supported by 365 and a 1 quarter of pillars. every pillar could be a stone. The master skilled worker Ananthapadmanabha Moothassari was responsible of the work.

Theerthams (Sacred water resources)

The Temple incorporates a sizable amount of sacred water resources settled even in places isolated from the Temple. Of these, the most one Padmatheertham is found on the jap facet of the Temple. Padmatheertham is one in all the oldest water bodies within the town of Thiruvananthapuram.

Bells

Large numbers of bells adorn the Temple. In most cases the tip of the bell incorporates a metal banian leaf hooked up to its tongue.

Multiplicity of Mandapams

Another feature of this Temple is that the multiplicity of Mandapams (platforms). There ar eleven mandapams within the Temple and eight within the Padmatheertham lake.

Mural Paintings

The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Padmanabha and Sree avatar ar adorned with murals. Of these, the Ananthasayanam on the backside of the sanctum is termed because the largest one in every of the temple murals of Kerala, and was painted by a Brahmin creative person by name Chalayil Kalahasti. it's of eighteen feet long.

Thiruvambadi Sree Krishnaswamy Temple

Even though the Thiruvambadi Sree avatar Swamy Temple is within the most Temple walls, it enjoys the standing of a separate Temple with separate flag-staff, sacred stones and its own rites and rituals. it's quite uncommon.


Darshan Timing

Morning

03.30 am to 04.45 am (Nirmalya Darshanam)
06.30 am to 07.00 am
08.30 am to 10.00 am
10.30 am to 11.10 am
11.45 am to 12.00 Noon

Evening

05.00 pm to 06.15 pm
06.45 pm to 07.20 pm

The above-indicated time schedule is subject to changes during festivals and other special occasions. During the festival occasions the darshan time is reduced in order to performing the special poojas