Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaswamy (Vishnu), who is worshipped here in a reclining posture on the serpent Anantha. The temple is known for its unique architectural style, rich history, and its association with the royal family of Travancore.
History:
The history of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple dates back to the 8th century AD, although the current structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Travancore Maharajas. The temple was a center of religious and cultural activity during the reign of the Travancore kingdom, and many festivals and events were celebrated with great fervor. The temple also played a significant role in the socio-political life of the region.
Significance:
The temple is known for its unique Dravidian style of architecture, which includes a 100-foot-high gopuram (tower), intricate carvings, and a vast courtyard. The main deity, Lord Padmanabhaswamy, is made of a special combination of 12,008 salagrama stones and is adorned with priceless jewels and ornaments. The temple is also famous for its underground vaults, which contain a vast collection of gold, silver, and precious stones.
Festivals and Events:
The temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Navaratri festival. During this 9-day festival, the temple is decorated with colorful lights, and many cultural events are organized. Other important festivals include Vishu, Thiruvonam, and Janmashtami. The temple also celebrates the annual Alpashi Utsavam, during which Lord Padmanabhaswamy is taken out in a grand procession.
Sevas and Puja Timings:
The temple offers many sevas (services) to devotees, including the morning and evening darshan, abhishekam, and archana. The temple is open from 3:30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 7:20 pm, and the morning and evening pujas are performed during these timings. The temple also offers special sevas during festivals and other auspicious occasions.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, offers various sevas and puja timings for devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Padmanabhaswamy.
Here are some of the sevas and their timings:
- Usha Puja: This puja is performed early in the morning before sunrise. Devotees can participate in the puja by offering flowers and lighting lamps. Timing: 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
- Ucha Puja: This is the midday puja and is performed after the noon offering. Devotees can offer flowers and ghee lamps. Timing: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Athazha Puja: This is the evening puja and is performed after the Deeparadhana. Devotees can participate in the puja by offering flowers and lighting lamps. Timing: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Seeveli: This is the procession of the Lord in the evening. The idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy is taken out of the sanctum sanctorum and placed on the Garuda vahana (eagle carrier) and taken around the temple. Timing: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Abhishekam: This is the ritual of pouring water and other items on the idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy. Devotees can offer the abhishekam by paying a fee. Timing: 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- Vazhipadu: This is the offering made by devotees for their personal wishes. Devotees can offer vazhipadu by paying a fee. Timing: 3:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Note: The temple timings and sevas may vary on special occasions and festivals. It is recommended to check with the temple authorities before planning a visit.
Spiritual Resources:
Devotees can access many spiritual resources related to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, such as prayers, mantras, and videos, online or through temple publications. The temple also offers online services for booking sevas and accommodation for devotees.
Overall, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it continues to attract millions of devotees every year with its rich history, unique architecture, and spiritual significance.
0 Comments