SREE PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE
The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated.The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas.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 made several offerings. Nammalwar, 9th century poet and one among the 12 Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition, has composed ten hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Some well known scholars, writers and historians, like the late Dr. L.A.Ravi Varma of Travancore, have expressed the view that this Temple was established on the first day of Kali Yuga (which is over 5000 years ago). The legends of the Temple are handed down through the centuries. One such legend which finds a place in the old palm leaf records of the Temple, as also in the famous grantha entitled “Ananthasayana Mahatmya”, mentions that it was consecrated by a Tulu Brahmin hermit named Divakara Muni. On the 950th year of Kali Yuga a reinstallation of the idol was done. In the 960th Kali year King Kotha Marthandan built the Abhisravana Mandapam.The principal deity Vishnu is enshrined in the “Anantha Shayanam” posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adisheshan.Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to “The City of Lord Ananta”,referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
As I set foot in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the air vibrates with an ancient mystic charm. The city is home to the grandeur of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, a deity that has sparked myriad legends and myths over centuries.
The deity is enshrined in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent structure that stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. The mysteries surrounding the temple and the deity it houses are fascinating, complex, and often shrouded in secrecy.
Over the years, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has piqued the curiosity of historians, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers alike. The temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur, the mystifying deity it houses, and the enormous wealth it possesses. As an ardent explorer of history and spirituality, my quest led me to this splendid temple, and I embarked on a journey to unravel its mysteries.
The mysteries of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy are intriguing and multidimensional. They span across the temple's rich history, its unique architectural style, the spiritual significance it holds, the vast treasures it conceals, and the many legends that it has given birth to. This article is a humble attempt to delve deep into these aspects and bring forth the fascinating tales that lie within the walls of this glorious temple.
The History of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The history of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is as rich and vibrant as the deity it venerates. As per historical records and legends, the temple's inception can be traced back to the 8th century AD. It is believed that the original temple was built by the Chera Dynasty, one of the principal ruling dynasties of South India at that time.
Over the centuries, the temple underwent several modifications and renovations. The most significant of these modifications occurred in the 18th century under the rule of King Marthanda Varma.
He was a devoted follower of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and dedicated his kingdom to the deity, declaring himself as the deity's servant. It was during his reign that the temple attained much of its present form and grandeur.
The history of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not just about its physical construction or transformation. It's also about its evolving spiritual significance, the rituals and traditions it follows, and the socio-political influence it wielded. Each era left its unique imprint on the temple, contributing to its rich historical tapestry.
The Architecture of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. As I walked around the temple, I was awestruck by the intricate carvings, the towering gopurams (temple towers), and the sprawling temple complex that displayed an exceptional level of artistry and craftsmanship.
The temple's structure is a harmonious blend of both Kerala style and Tamil style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum, where the deity resides, is designed in the Kerala style, while the gopurams exhibit the Tamil architectural style. The temple's layout is thoughtfully planned and symbolically significant, with each element carrying a deeper spiritual meaning.
One of the most distinctive features of the temple architecture is the reclining posture of the deity, Anantha Padmanabha Swamy. The deity is seen in the Anantha Shayanam posture, lying on the serpent Anantha, symbolizing the state of cosmic sleep or Yoga Nidra. The idol is incredibly large, measuring about 18 feet in length, and is viewed through three separate doors. The grandeur and intricacy of the idol and its unique viewing arrangement is a marvel of temple architecture.
The Mystery of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and the Thiruvananthapuram Temple
The mysteries surrounding Anantha Padmanabha Swamy are as captivating as the deity itself. One such mystery revolves around the temple's secret vaults. There are six known vaults in the temple named from A to F. While five of these vaults have been opened and documented, Vault B remains unopened.
According to temple authorities and devotees, Vault B should not be opened as it is protected by a divine curse. Legend has it that any attempt to open the vault will unleash cataclysms in the region. This belief has been reinforced by several unsuccessful attempts to open the vault, adding another layer to the temple's mystique.
The deity Anantha Padmanabha Swamy itself is shrouded in mystery. The idol is made of a unique amalgamation of 12,008 salagramams (sacred stones) imported from Nepal, mixed with specific herbs and materials. Moreover, the idol's composition and the precise technique used in its creation remain a mystery to this day.
The Spiritual Significance of the Trivandrum Temple
The spiritual significance of the Trivandrum Temple is profound and far-reaching. The temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu, as per the Vaishnava tradition. As such, it is a major pilgrimage center and holds a special place in the hearts of countless devotees.
The temple's rituals and festivals are a spectacle to behold. The temple's main festival, the Alpashy festival, and the Panguni festival, held in October/November and March/April respectively, are grand events that attract devotees from far and wide. These festivals not only carry religious significance but also serve as a platform to showcase the region's art and culture.
The deity Anantha Padmanabha Swamy is not just a figure of worship but also a symbol of the region's cultural identity and heritage. The deity's depiction in the Anantha Shayanam posture, the unique rituals performed, and the temple's spiritual ambiance collectively contribute to the temple's spiritual significance.
