The Brahmasthana (heart) of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is home to the Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple is situated on a somewhat raised area of the town with its back to the east. Its enclosures include an area of roughly 570 feet by 510 feet, or 25,700 square feet, or roughly seven acres. Four tall granite walls that are 15 feet high on the other three sides and 20 feet high on the east surround it. With four minor entrances—three on the eastern side and one on the northern side—four primary entrances are facing the four directions. At the eastern gate stands the magnificent Temple Gopura. It has seven stories and a height of almost 100 feet. The inside has steps that lead to the summit. The Gopura’s uppermost portion is shaped like a boat, signifying Vanchi Nadu, or “the land of the boat people.” It carries seven gold Kumbhas, which stand for the seven worlds, or Lokas. Thirteen large, incredibly wide steps lead to the main, imposing entrance. Because Kulasekhara Alvar wished for the auspiciousness of His followers’ feet to always remain on the outside step of every Sree Mahn Vishnu temple, they are also known as “Kulasekhara Padi” (or stairs).

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala

Athartha Desam, in Kumbala, close to Mangalore, was originally the penance site of Divakara Muni, a Tulu Brahmin sage. He was faced with a beautiful two-year-old youngster one day. An instant affection for this youngster grew within the ascetic’s heart. The wise man asked the young one who he was. The boy answered that he didn’t have a mother or father and that he didn’t even have a specific house. Then the wise man asked the young man to move in with him. The child only agreed to it with the understanding that he would immediately leave if he ever felt humiliated. When the young child was in a particularly naughty mood one day, he inserted a holy Salagrama from where Divakara Muni was doing puja in his mouth. The sage felt angry at witnessing this and scolded the child severely. Following strictly to his previous condition, the youngster fled off, declaring as he went that the Muni would have to go to Ananthan Kaattu (the forest of Anantha) and look for him there if he ever wanted to see him. The sage came to realize that his small companion was Sree Maha Vishnu disguised as a little boy, and in a state of despair, he followed the child’s lead. After a lengthy search, he eventually arrived in a forest close to the coast, just in time to witness the youngster vanish into an Iluppa tree (Indian Butter Tree). The tree suddenly collapsed and, as if by magic, changed into Sree Maha Vishnu, the powerful form of the Lord reclining on Anantha, or Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy. This was the divine vision that Divakara Muni received from the Lord. The saint asked the Lord to limit His form to three times the length of his Yoga Dandu, or roughly eighteen feet long, to meet his limited mortal eyesight. This was because he was unable to comprehend the revelation of the Divya Mangala Roopa, which stretched to a length of almost eighteen miles. His request was heard, and the powerful form transformed into this dimension. Impressed by his devotion, the Lord ordered that the Tulu Brahmins from the motherland of Divakara Muni do the daily pujas for Him from that point on, a tradition that is being observed today.

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Daily activities in Kerala

• The Thirumeni Kaval Kurup (special inner security guard), who has the keys to all three temples, opens the Cheruchuttu enclosure containing Sree Padmanabha Swamy’s sanctum at approximately 3.30 a.m. upon the arrival of Periya Santies.
• The Kurup gives the priest the keys to the main sanctum, which he uses to open the center entrance. He uses a flame from one of the two Akhanda Deepas (everlasting lights) that are burning inside the sanctum to light the lamps inside.
• Periya Nambi shows up there around four in the morning, washes his feet, and climbs the Ottakkal Mandapa’s steps. The public has already assembled and is waiting outside at this point.
• He rings the gold bell that is suspended outside the main door, purifies the area with Panchagayva, and then enters the sanctum right away.
• By around 4.10 a.m., the general public is welcome inside for the Nirmalya Darshan.
• While the Periya Shanti opens the sanctum’s final two doors, the Nambi opens the middle door.
• At that moment, a joyful tune known as Pandi Vadya emerges from the silence, honoring Sree Padmanabha Swamy and rousing him from Yoga Nidra.
• Ottakkal Mandapa was sent a silver platform. The Nambi brings and places the three gold Abhisheka idols of Sret Padmanabha Swamy, Sree Devi, and Bhu Devi on the platform after the puja. Together with the Salagrama and Siva Linga, the Periya Shanti presents the silver Siveli idol of the Swamy. Using a Sankhu (conch), the Periya Nambi conducts the Abhisheka.
• After that, he makes puja using a coconut shell. Water, Panchagavya, Panchamritha, soft coconut water, and cow’s milk are used for oblation. After the idols have been cleaned, water is used once again. Alankara trails behind with gems and flowers.
• The public is required to leave to prepare for the traditional Neivedya meal, which consists of puffed rice, plantains, and Uppu Manga, or salted unripe mango.
• This dish is reminiscent of Vilvamangalathu Swamy’s raw mango offering to Sree Padmanabha Swamy upon receiving the Divine Darshan.
• Then, utilizing the five-tiered lamp, the public is permitted to observe the Deeparadhana. After that, the idols are brought back to the Sreekovil.
• The Nambi performs Pushpanjali. Following the Prasada distribution, everyone leaves the location in preparation for the Usha Nivedya, a pretty elaborate dawn offering.
• The Mandapa is then cleaned and cleansed.
• Around 5:30 a.m., the Etirtu Puja—a ritual that ushers in the day—begins. It is during this time that the public is not permitted inside.
• The Periya Shanti, who plays the traditional instrumental music and blows the conch throughout the Siveli circumambulation, displays the silver Siveli idol of the Lord after the purification is complete.
• Along the way, Sree Narasimha Swamy and Sree Krishna Swamy join Sree Padmanabha Swamy. Only the Peria Shanties, who are specific to each of the three deities, carry the idols on their heads.
• The bells and conch sound and the idols are carried to their shrines following three rounds of circumambulation.
• For the first time, during the day, the general public is now permitted to go up the Ottakkal Mandapa for prayer and devotion.
• By six in the morning, the Pushpanjali Swamiyar arrives and climbs the Ottakkal Mandapam. He walks into the Sreekovil carrying a Dandu.
• He stays indoors until roughly 8:00 a.m.
• The daily administrative report presentation by the Maharaja and the hourly worship period (7.00 a.m. to 8.15 a.m.) are the reasons for the pause of public entry into the inner areas.
• It is forbidden for any member of the royal family to go with him. The royal family members worshipped after that.
• Following that, the public is welcome to enter for prayer from 8.15 until 11.30 a.m. The inner portions are off-limits to the public after the Ucha Puja (afternoon worship) time approaches. Ucha Puja begins in several stages, such as Prasanna Puja and Nivedya.
• The officiating Nambi then performs Deeparadhana using a basic camphor lamp. The Ottakkal Mandapa is open for public climbing until noon.
• The sanctum’s doors are shut after that. By 1:00 p.m., the temple’s towering exterior doors or entrances are closed.
• At 4:00 p.m., the four exterior doors are opened. Around 430 p.m., the Nambi enters the holy place and decorates the Abhisheka idols, while the Periya Santi decorates the Siveli idol.
• After that, he leads the Pushpanjali to God. The public may view Darshan until 6:00 p.m. at the Nalambalam once its inner doors open at 5:00 p.m.
• The musicians then begin playing the sacred music for the elaborate nighttime Deeparadhana. The window of opportunity is from 6.30 to 6.45 p.m.
• The Cheruchuttu area is crowded with people who come to witness the majesty of the ritual. No one can thereafter touch the Mandapa.
• Periya Shanti lights the seven-tiered lamp to begin the Deeparadhana. The Nambi starts the ceremony by simultaneously ringing the handbell.
• The Periya Shanti opens the middle door at that precise moment, after which he opens the doors at the crown and the holy feet (Thiruvadi).
• In the prescribed order, the other lamps are given to Nambi one by one.
• It is therefore the Naga Deepam that follows next, and then the Garuda Deepam, the five-tiered lamp, the Kumbha Deepam, and finally the Karpura (Camphor) Deepam (Arathi). The exquisite display of light illuminates the believers’ hearts as it unites with the Lord’s radiance. After that, Ghattiyam is recited. The Ottakkal Mandapa is open to devotees till 7:30 p.m.
• Following the public’s departure, the Mandapa is cleansed, and Athazha Puja and Neivedya get underway.
• The same as in the morning is the Beli offering of the inner areas by the presiding Nambi, the appointed Periya Shanties’ inner circumambulation of the Shivali Idols, their outer Siveli rounds, and the outer Beli by the Nambi.
• The primary distinction is that on the night of Siveli, a deeparadhana follows the recital of the Ghattiyam at the eastern and western gates.
• Ghattiyam, or prose, are brief poems that are written in several languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi, and, interestingly, none of them appear to have been written in Malayalam, the mother tongue of Maharaja Swathi Tirunal, the author of all of them.
• Deeparadhana and Nivedya return to their respective sanctums after the Idols.
• Ardhayama Deeparadhana, the final Deeparadhana, is that of Sree Padmanabha Swamy. The two side doors are then locked after that. The Swamy is soothed to sleep by Kurunkuzhal’s gentle and melodic tunes.
• Thus, Sree Padmanabha Swamy’s daily routine comes to an end.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Timings in Kerala

• 4.30 a.m to 5.15 a.m
• 6.15 a.m to 7.15 a.m
• 8.15 a.m to 11.15 a.m
• Noon to 12.30 p.m
• 5.15 p.m to 7.30 p.m
• Temple timings might change on festival days.

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress Code in Kerala

• Men: Mundu / Dhoti. Not to wear shirts or upper cloth
• Women: saree; Mundum Neriyathum (set-mundu); skirt and blouse; Half Saree
• Women used to wear Dhoti on top of Punjabi Dress as it is mandatory before entering Temple.
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress Code is strictly followed.

The post Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala: History, Timings, and Darshan appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Dress Code

Men to wear Dhoti with or without Angavastra. women to wear Sarees, Dhotis or Pavadas with a blouse or other appropriate attire which suits their age. Chudidhar and other modern dresses are not allowed. No other types of dress should not be worn or taken inside the temple. Other than Saree, the female devotees are advised to wear Dhoti on top of their dress. Dhoti selling stall is available at the temple entrance.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple History

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The main deity is enshrined in the ‘Anantha Sayana’ posture on the divine serpent Adisesha. Sree Padmanabha Swamy was the deity of the royal family of Travancore who treats Anantha Padmanabha Swamy as the King of the Travancore.

• In the year 1050 AD.(225ME), the Temple was renovated.
• Temple roof was reconstructed between 1459 AD and 1460 AD during this time the idol was removed to a ‘Balalaya’
• The idol was reinstalled in 1461 AD.
• Due to a fire accident majority part of the temple was destroyed in 1686 AD.
• Temple was renovated in 1724.
• Idol was moved to Balalaya In 1730 during Sanctum Sanctorum renovation.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple timings

• Nirmalya Darshanam: 3:30 am to 4:45 am
• Darshan: 6:30 am to 7:00 am
• Darshan: 8:30 am to 10:00 am
• Darshan: 10:30 am to 11:10 am
• Darshan: 11:45 am to 12:00 pm
• Darshan: 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm
• Darshan: 6:45 pm to 7:20 pm

The above-mentioned timings will change on festival days.

Entry is restricted to Hindus only.

Best Time to visit: Aug to May 1st week.

Darshan Duration: 20 to 30 mins during weekdays and 45 to 60 mins during weekends. Morning Hours will be heavily crowded and Evening Hours will be less crowded. Usually, Tourists visit in the Morning Hours.

Instructions to devotees

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
• Not to enter the temple after consuming Non-Veg or Liquor
• No entry for foreigners and Non-Hindus.
• Photography allowed outside the temple.
• Devotees are not allowed to sit or prostrate inside the temple
• Not to place any items on the Ottakkal Mandapam
• Dress code to be followed strictly.

How to reach Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple?

• The nearest airport is at Trivandrum which is Trivandrum which is 3.2 Km away.
• The nearest Railway station is at Trivandrum which is 2.6 Km away.
• Trivandrum is well connected with all parts of the country.
• The direct trains are available from all major stations.
• Temple can be reached by Bus, Taxi and Auto Rickshaws.

The post Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple timings appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Tourists inflow will be high on Fri, Sat, Sun, Public Holidays and Festival days.

Best Time to visit: Oct-May 1st week.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Accommodation

The above-mentioned charges can be revised without prior intimation.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Accommodation

1. Devaswom Rooms are allotted only to the Hindus.
2. Consumption of Alcohol or smoking is not permitted.
3. Non-Veg food is not allowed to the premises.
4. Double or Triple bedrooms are not available. Only temporary stay beds are available for the devotees.
5. Cancellation is available for the room booking but an e-mail to be sent well in advance.
6. Advance booking available for the dormitory halls and chairs.
7. 60 beds and 28 chairs can be booked online.
8. Common Restrooms are available for the dormitory hall.

For more details, Please call on 85000 87012

The post Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Accommodation appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Special Darshan Ticket: Rs.250 for 2 persons.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Darshan timings

The above-mentioned Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Darshan timings might differ on special days. Darshan timings will be reduced due to special Poojas.

Special Poojas at Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

The above-mentioned charges can be revised without prior intimation.

Padmanabha Swamy Darshan Dress Code

Men must wear White Pancha/ Dhoti. Men not to wear Shirt and Vest before entering Temple. Female devotees are allowed in Sarees.

The post Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Darshan timings appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Dress Code: Men must wear Dhoti/ Pancha without Vest and Shirt

Women to wear Saree

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Vazhipad

The above-metioned Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Vazhipad rates can be revised without prior intimation.

Dress Code: Men must remove Shirt and Vest before entering Temple. Men must wear Dhoti or White Pancha.

Female devotees are allowed in Saree.

The post Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Vazhipad appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Darshan Timings

The above-mentioned timings might differ on special days.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Darshan Tickets

Special Darshan Ticket Cost: Rs.250 for 2 persons.

Two Adults and Two Children under 10 years allowed on One Special Darshan Ticket.

Age limit: Ticket required for 10 years and above.

The Crowd will be high on Morning Hours. Darshan ends by 9:15 pm for the day.

The ideal time of Darshan: after 5:00 pm.

Darshan Duration: 30 – 45 mins.

Prasadam, Archana and Darshan included in this Special Darshan Ticket.

Mandatory Dress code: Please wear

Men: White Pancha, Dhoti. Must remove shirt and Vest before entering Temple.
Female: Saree with blouse/ Half Saree. Ladies who reach the temple by Punjabi Dress with Dupatta / Chudidhar with Dupatta have to purchase Dhoti at the entrance.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Darshan Tickets Booking

1. Counter available at the temple entrance.
2. Online booking or advance booking not available for these tickets.
3. These tickets will not be issued on Festival days.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Senior Citizen Darshan

1. No free or separate Darshan line available for Senior Citizens.
2. Special Darshan Ticket Cost Rs.250 is available for 2 persons.
3. Darshan waiting Time depends on the crowd.
4. The Crowd will be high on Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays and Festival days.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Infant Darshan

1. Children under 10 years allowed with their parents.
2. Two Children are allowed for a Special Darshan ticket.

At present temple renovation work is under progress so Darshan ends by 9:15 am and resume at 5:00 pm.

Reference Link: Dress Code

The post Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Darshan Tickets appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Dress code: Please wear
Men: White Pancha, Dhoti/ Kurta, Pyjama. Men must remove shirt and Vest.
Female: Saree with blouse/ Punjabi Dress with Dupatta / Chudidhar with Dupatta/ Half Saree.

Anantha Padmanabha Temple Timings

The above-mentioned timings will change on special days.

Anantha Padmanabha Temple Timings

Best Time to Visit: Oct-Jun 1st week.

Darshan waiting Time: 25 to 30 mins during weekdays and 45 – 60 mins during weekends.

Entry is not available for Non-Hindu devotees.

The crowd will be high on Malayalam New Year Day, ThiruVonam, Ashtami Rohini, Navaratri Pooja days, Bi-annual 10 days festival held on Thulam (Alppasi) and Meenam (Painkuni), Sree Rama Navami, Vishu Festival

The post Anantha Padmanabha Temple Timings appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Karkidaka Vavu Bali or Vavubali Tharpanam is the offering to the departed souls of forefathers. Karkidaka Vavu is the new moon day in
the Malayalam month of Karkidakom(July – August). On the day of Karkidaka Vavu, people offer Vavu Bali to their ancestors. The priest will be guiding the person in performing the rituals.

Bali Tharpanam includes Darbha (a type of long grass), Cooked rice, Sesame Seeds, Pavithram (Ring made of Darbha grass), water and banana leaves.

It is said that Aadi Sankaracharya himself offered Vavu Bali Tharpanam at this temple for his mother.

Performing on an Amavasya day is advisable for good results.

Dress Code: Traditional Dress Code preferable.

Thiruvallam Karkidaka Vavu Bali Benefits

1. For family wellbeing
2. Will be blessed with good health.
3. Departed ancestors bless the family and children with long life and success.
4. To pacify Departed Ancestors.

Reference Link: details

The post Thiruvallam Karkidaka Vavu Bali appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

Parasurama temple Thiruvallam History

This temple was built during 12th and 13th Century by Chera King Athiyaman Perumal. This temple is famous for Balitharpanam or Vavu Bali (offering Tharpanam for the ancestors). It is believed that Aadi Sankaracharya himself offered Tharpanam for his mother at this temple.

This temple is located at the confluence of River Karamana, River Killi and River Parvathiputhanar, hence it is holy for Vavu Bali.

As per the Legend, Lord Vishnu appeared before Vilwamangalm as a small boy and stayed with him on a condition that he should get angry on him. One day boy at the Naivedya prepared for Lord Vishnu. Angered Vilwamangalam beat the boy with his right hand. Immediately the boy left the place as he broke the condition and told that he will be at Ananthakadu. The saint went in search of the boy and reached Ananthakadu. A huge Iluppa tree fell down and transformed into Ananthasayana form. The idol was so huge that head was in Thiruvallam, Middle part in Ananthakadu (Present Padmanabha Swamy temple) and feet at Trippapur. Saint requested lord to reduce his body size, Please Lord Vishnu contracted his body.

It is said that one must visit Trippapur, Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabha Swamy temple and Parasurama temple Thiruvallam in a day.

Thiruvonam Arattu and Parasurama Jayanti festivals will be celebrated in a grand.

Parasurama temple Thiruvallam Timings

5:00 am – 8:00 pm

How to reach Parasurama temple Thiruvallam?

By Air

1. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram which is 8 Km away.

By Train

1. The nearest railway station is at Thiruvananthapuram which is 7 Km away.

By Road

1. 6 Km from Kovalam beach. 8 Km from Airport.
2. Tempe is located on the Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam bypass Road and is 6 Km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Reference Link: details

The post Parasurama temple Thiruvallam appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.

This beach is filled with coconut palms. This beach is separated by rocky outcrops, the souther-most, known as the LightHouse beach and is famous. The beach near Old Lighthouse is called by Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Edakallu, a rocky headland, separates Eve’s or Howah Beach from the Lighthouse Beach. This place can be reached from Thiruvananthapuram and 15 mins by Bus. This is the popular tourist destination since 1930. There are many activities which include Snorkelling, Catamaran rides, Sunset Viewing, Cycling on the beach etc.

Kovalam Beach is 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Dress Code: No restriction.

Reference Link: details

The post Kovalam Beach appeared first on Our Sanskriti & Gyan.