After 270 years, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple hosts Maha Kumbhabhishekam
T'puram: Hundreds of devotees gathered at the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the state capital on Sunday to witness Maha Kumbhabhishekam, a rare and sacred consecration ceremony held after nearly 270 years.
The event marked the culmination of extensive restoration works at one of India's most revered and architecturally rich temples.
Temple authorities undertook elaborate arrangements to ensure that devotees could witness the ritual without disruption. Large LED screens were installed at all four temple entrances, broadcasting the rituals live to the waiting crowds. By early morning, long queues formed, with devotees eager to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event steeped in history and devotion.
The rituals commenced with Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the titular head of the Travancore royal family, offering prayers. The tanthri (chief priest) of the temple performed the traditional ashtabandha kalasam, a vital part of the reconsecration, at Thiruvambady Temple located within the main complex.
At 8am, a 300-year-old idol of Vishwaksena, the commander-in-chief of Lord Vishnu's celestial army, was ceremoniously reinstalled. The idol, crafted from katu sarkara yogam, a sacred mixture made from medicinal herbs, lime, and jaggery, was treated with high ritual significance.
Following the reinstallation, members of the Travancore royal family and temple priests led a ceremonial procession for the dedication of three domes (koodaram) above the sanctum sanctorum.
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Time of India
5 hours ago
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After 270 years, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple hosts Maha Kumbhabhishekam
T'puram: Hundreds of devotees gathered at the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the state capital on Sunday to witness Maha Kumbhabhishekam, a rare and sacred consecration ceremony held after nearly 270 years. The event marked the culmination of extensive restoration works at one of India's most revered and architecturally rich temples. Temple authorities undertook elaborate arrangements to ensure that devotees could witness the ritual without disruption. Large LED screens were installed at all four temple entrances, broadcasting the rituals live to the waiting crowds. By early morning, long queues formed, with devotees eager to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event steeped in history and devotion. The rituals commenced with Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the titular head of the Travancore royal family, offering prayers. The tanthri (chief priest) of the temple performed the traditional ashtabandha kalasam, a vital part of the reconsecration, at Thiruvambady Temple located within the main complex. At 8am, a 300-year-old idol of Vishwaksena, the commander-in-chief of Lord Vishnu's celestial army, was ceremoniously reinstalled. The idol, crafted from katu sarkara yogam, a sacred mixture made from medicinal herbs, lime, and jaggery, was treated with high ritual significance. Following the reinstallation, members of the Travancore royal family and temple priests led a ceremonial procession for the dedication of three domes (koodaram) above the sanctum sanctorum.
Deccan Herald
8 hours ago
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Installation of 'Tazhikakudams', a new idol of Vishwaksena replacing a 300 year old one and 'Ashtabandha' rituals of the Thiruvambady Sreekrishna Swamy temple were also performed on Sunday.
