Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple History-Kerala

Located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital of Kerala, Ananta Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its history is as rich and fascinating as the stories woven around the deity it enshrines. It is known as a place of worship as well as a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage.

It is one of the 108 hallowed places that the Sri Vaishnava faith regards as Lord Vishnu’s sacred abodes. The temple is constructed in an elaborate fusion of Kerala style and Dravidian architecture, featuring tall walls and a gopuram from the 16th century. There are several customs that state the Ananthapura temple in Kumbla, Kerala’s Kasaragod district, is the original place where the god resided.

Historical Significance

The history of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is intertwined with the history of Travancore kingdom. It was the royal temple of Travancore rulers. This temple was built by the royal family of Travancore. Its wealth and clout were intimately linked to the kingdom’s fortunes.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in a dream to Anijam Tirunal Marthanda Varma, the first ruler of the Travancore kingdom. According to legend, the deity ordered the temple to be built in his honour. Tirunal Ramavarma, the Maharaja of Travancore, is the current trustee of this temple.

The temple has been a source of cultural significance, devotion, and patronage for ages. It drew pilgrims, academics, and artists from all over the world as a hub of religious, social, and artistic activity.

A Tale of Myth and History

According to Hindu mythology, this Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple was built by the legendary sage Muchukunda. It is thought that Muchukunda was cursed with permanent sleep after vanquishing the monster. Lord Vishnu sought refuge in the cosmic serpent Ananta in order to awaken him as Ananta Padmanabha. Around this divine heavenly dwelling is erected a temple.

Temple Structure and Significance

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a beautiful example of Kerala architecture. The god rests in the main sanctuary, his body encircled by a snake and adorned with four heads. There are several other temples dedicated to other deities within the temple complex.

The elaborate sculptures, mandapas (pavilions) and gopurams (gopurams) on it display the talent, artistry and skill of the old artists.

This temple has important religious and cultural importance. It is considered as one of the seven holy Vaishnava temples of South India.

The Mysterious Vaults

The most interesting aspect of the Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple is the presence of five underground vaults. For generations, people have been curious and speculating about these tunnels, which are thought to hold enormous treasures. The remaining three vaults are still undiscovered and mysterious, despite the fact that the first two have been unlocked.

Beyond its religious significance, the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a cultural icon of Kerala. It hosts various festivals and rituals throughout the year, attracting devotees and tourists from far and wide. The temple’s annual festival, Onam, is a grand celebration with colorful processions, traditional dances and feasts.

In the early 18th century, Anijam Tirunal Marthanda Varma became the king of Travancore following the patrilineal customs. At the age of 23, he succeeded his uncle Ramavarma. He ended the lengthy rule of the Pillar Lords after learning of their plots against the royal family. In 1750, he consecrated the kingdom to the god and repaired the Padmanabhaswamy temple. He and his descendants became “Padmanabha dasas,” vassals who served the deity. The final request of Anijam Tirunal is that this commitment be maintained for all future territory advances.

The foundation of the present gopuram at the temple was laid in 1566. It is a 100 feet high, 7-tiered gopuram built in the Pandyan style. The temple is located next to a tank called Padma Theertham, which means “Lotus Spring”. It features a beautifully carved passageway with 357 and a quarter stone pillars that display amazing craftsmanship. There is an 80 feet flagpole near the main gate. During the twice-yearly festivals, Kathakali performances take place on the ground floor of the gopuram, also called the ‘Nataka Sala’.