Turning the page back to the past
According to palm leaf records, a sage named Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam created the temple. It was during one of the ceremonies that Lord Vishnu came before him as an orphan kid. His innocence melted the sage’s heart, he took pity and sheltered him at the temple. Unfortunately, one day, the sage’s temper got the better of him, so he screamed at the child who then disappeared into the forest. When Vilwamangalam understood the boy was Lord Vishnu, he went searching for him and ended up in a cave that became present-day Thiruvananthapuram. The boy then disappeared into a mahua tree. The tree fell and took the shape of Lord Vishnu lying on the thousand-hooded serpent. The temple is believed to have been conceived in the 9th century. Years later in the 15th century, the roof was rebuilt and so was the Ottakkal Mandapam. Later in the mid-17th century, King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma ordered major renovations in the temple. The main sanctuary was rebuilt and the old idol was thrown away to make space for a new one built with 12,008 shaligram stones and various herbs, collectively called katu-sharkara. Later in the year 1750, he dedicated his kingdom to the Lord, in the Thrippadidanam ceremony. In 1758, the hall of pillars, Karthika Mandapam, was made by King Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. Finally in 1820, according to the orders of Gowri Parvathi Bayi, the large Anantha Shyana mural was drawn.
Years later in 1936 Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma announced the Kshethra Praveshan Vilambram (or Temple Entry Proclamation) which means to allow every Hindu caste and creed in the temple.
Marvelling architectural brilliance
The temple stands in all its glory of stone and bronze. It has a seven-tier high gopuram which is decorated with delicate designs and carvings. There’s a sprawling corridor that has carved stone pillars and statues of Hindu deities. Beautiful murals also adorn the walls and ceilings in various parts of the temple. You will be amazed to see that inside the shrine Sri Padmanabha rests on Adi Shesha whose head acts as an umbrella. The 3-door sanctum will give you a glimpse of the reclining 18-foot idol of Lord Padmanabha.
The secret of hidden vaults
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is considered to be one of the richest temples in the world. It has coins, statues, ornaments and many other precious artefacts, in fact, enormous wealth kept in the many vaults inside the temple. For instance, Vault A has gold coins and sacks of precious stones staked in wooden boxes. There are necklaces, medallions, headsets, golden lotuses and even golden lamps. Vault B remains closed as people believe that opening it brings bad fortune to the temple and the people involved. Vault C has items that might be required for special ceremonies. Gold jewellery, gold mace, gold coconut shells, golden umbrellas and golden serpent hoods are kept here. Vault D is used to keep items that decorate Garudavahana during festivals in the temple. Vault E has everything that one might need for everyday pooja and Vault F also contains the same along with the 6th Vault which has three idols of Lord Padmanabha.
