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Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The temple is located inside the
East Fort. The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian
styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone
carvings. This temple a sprawling complex with a magnificent seventeen
storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanabha
(the lord who upheld creation on a lotus that sprang forth from His
navel). The 6 m image of Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent, partly
covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in
three sections through three doors. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu
temples in India . Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Historical
records show that in 1750, The Maharaja of Travancore on being victorious
in a battle, laid down his sword and offered himself to this temple's
deity. Since then, all his successors have ruled the land as Padmanabhadasas
(servants of Padmanabha). Arattu is an important festival here.
Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
20 km from Trivandrum in Neyyattinkara
is located this historically important temple. This is the site housing
the old Jackfruit tree that once gave refuge to the king Marthandavarma,
erstwhile ruler of Travancore.
Varkala
Located 40 km from Trivandrum in
Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala is the final resting place
of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The Papanasham (redemption
from sins) beach here is the place where Narada is believed to have
thrown his valkalam. The 2000 year ols Sree Janardhana Swamy temple
here is famous for the Arattu, the annual festival celebrated in March-April.
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
Known as the Sabarimala of women,
this temple is famous for Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that
commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (Feb-March). The highlight of the
festival is the Ponkala which is all women affair. Ponkala is an offering
made in Bhagavathy temples, prepared in the form of payasam with ingredients
like rice, jaggery, coconut kernel and plantain. Ponkala starts in the
morning and ends with the melsanthi (chief priest) sprinkling holy water
over the offerings.
Sree Parasurama Temple
Located in Thiruvallam, 5 km from
Thiruvananthapuram, this is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Sree
Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This 2000 year old temple
is the venue for the Bali ritual for departed souls.
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