How Thiruvananthapuram Got Its Name: The Fascinating History Behind It

India.com

3 days ago

Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, is a site that requires endless exploration because of its history, culture, and mythology. The sprawling greenery, tranquil beaches, and rich traditions of the city makes it a tourist hotspot. The origin of its name is enthralling as it encompasses mythology and history. The tale itself demonstrates the spiritual reputation of the region, making it more intriguing.
The Meaning of Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is a name derived from the region's language (Malayalam). It consists of three words, 'Thiru,' 'Anantha,' and 'Puram.'
Thiru is an honorific word that is used in both Malayalam and Tamil. It refers to something revered or sacred. The closest synonyms in English would be 'holy divine'.
Puram translates to 'city' or 'town' in Malayalam. Anantha, who is a key figure in Hinduism, is a serpent god associated with lord Vishnu. He is also referred to as the head of the hidden Adi Sesha. Anantha illustrates the thousand headed snake being the lord's pillow, Vishnu, while resting is depicted to sleep on the cosmic ocean.
The majestic padmanabha temple is one of the most prominent features of the city and serves as a representation of the city's culture and identity. Hence, the name Thiruvananthapuram translates to 'The Sacred city of Anantha' or 'The City of Lord Anantha.' This name is deeply associated with the Anantha padmanabha swamy temple.
The City's History and the Legend of Anantha
When it comes to the origin of the name of Thiruvananthapuram, it is interlinked with an intriguing story from Hindu mythology. According to the legend, the city is said to have originated during the Dvapara Yuga which is one of the four Yugas in the Hindu eras. There was a sage, Divakara Muni, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, who used to do extreme penance in order to get his blessings. So pleased with the sage's devotion, Vishnu decided to grant him a wish and appeared to him in the form of a beautiful child.
In time, the child began to play tricks on the sage, which was part of the child's mode of testing the sage's patience. The sage, Divakara Muni, a great sage, started becoming impatient with the boy but soon understood that it was none other than Lord Vishnu himself. In his reverence, Divakara Muni requested the deity to remain in that place forever. Lord Vishnu accepted the request and transformed into a gigantic idol lying on the serpent Anantha. This idol became the head of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the city which developed around came to be called as Thiruvananthapuram.
What Does The Name Thiruvananthapuram Mean And Halo Mythology Behind It
The name has a certain mythological charm that is very appealing. However, what is also important is the city's historical name or, at least, its rough outline. The region has been quite a cultural and political hub for ages. It was part of the old Venad Kingdom that evolved into the princely state of Travancore. The family divan of Travancore, particularly the royal family, were known devotees of Lord Padmanabha and served him zealously, sadly, and had great delusions.
The term 'Thiruvananthapuram' started gaining its importance during the reign of Marthanda Varma, one of the most notable kings of Travancore. He was the self-styled 'Padmanabha Dasa' who in the 18th century surrendered the kingdom to Lord Padmanabha. This act added to the city's glory and strengthened the city name's association with the deity.
Colonial Considerations and the Title Trivandrum
The British during their colonial rule also faced problems with the pronunciation of the original name. Thus, they changed it to 'Trivandrum' which later became the most widely used name during British rule and even post 1947. The city was referred to as Trivandrum for decades and this name was used in government documents, maps, and other travel brochures.
In the 90s, along with a larger campaign to restore regional names, the Government of Kerala changed the name of the city back to Thiruvananthapuram. This change was made to symbolize and improve national pride in the city's rich culture and history.
Thiruvananthapuram Blend of Tradition and Modernity: An Impressive Metropolis With Awe-Inspiring Technology
In today's world, Thiruvananthapuram stands as a magnificent city where tradition coexists and blends with modernity. The cultural representation of the city resides in the awe-striking structure of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which captivates the attention of millions of devotees and tourists yearly. The city also serves as a hub for education due to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Space technology and research at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), along with the other leading space research institutions.
Thiruvananthapuram has developed over the ages but still successfully retains its charm. This blend region lives up to its name that is 'Thiruvananthapuram', which translates to the city of Lord Anantha, signifying the divine association of the city along with the luxurious, rich culture and mythology, coupled with the glorious history that marks an astounding region.
Thiruvananthapuram sits firmly in the rich cultural history of India. Its charm stems from the mythology surrounding the name and the figures closely tied to its origin, like Lord Vishnu and Anantha. From the colonial era to its evolution under the Travancore Kings, Thiruvananthapuram encapsulates the heart of Kerala. The pride and tradition associated with this stunning city makes it a revered region in India that proudly boasts its rich heritage.