Methanmani (Mohammedan's Bell), Padma Theertham, Kuthiramalika Palace, Navarathri Mandapam, Kottavathil, Kallaana in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Methanmani (Mohammedan's Bell)
The Methanmani (Mohammedan's Bell) is located in the beautiful Karuvelam Pura Palace complex. The word "Karuvela" means treasury. That treasury office once operated here. Inside the Karuvelam Pura Palace is the Navarathri Mandapam. During Navratri, the idol of Goddess Saraswathi brought from Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu is kept and worshipped at the Navarathri Mandapam. The attractive clock, Methanmani, comprises a head of a man, and two lambs. When the clock strikes, the figure tries to laugh, and two young goats ram on his face. This clock was installed during the reign of Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma (Dharma Raja). Further modifications were made by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma.
Padma Theertham
It was Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore from 1729 to 1758, who renovated Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Padma Theertham (temple pond). The water to this pond was brought from the Killi River at Maruthankuzhy, which is 8 kilometers away. A small dam was built for this purpose.
The area of the pond is approximately 3 acres and there is a well on its west.
Kuthiramalika Palace
This was the royal residence of Maharaja Swathi Tirunal (1829-1846) and is now converted into a museum. Tickets are available to enter Kuthira Malika Palace (Mansion of Horses). The royal collections include equipment used by the Travancore Royal Family, traditional furniture, gifts presented by foreigners, ancient armaments and other artifacts. One can see the golden Kodimaram (flagstaff) of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple from the Ambari Mukhappu (a viewing gallery) of Kuthira Malika. The palace gets its name from the 122 wooden horses on the gables.
Navarathri Mandapam
Since the capital of Venad was shifted from Kalkulam (now Padmanabhapuram) to Thiruvananthapuram, the idol of the goddess Saraswathi has been temporarily brought in a grand procession to the new capital every year on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri. Navaratri is a nine-day festival observed in the honor of the goddess Saraswathi in the month of October. The idol is kept at the Navarathri Mandapam for nine days and special poojas are conducted. During these days, musical concerts are conducted. The idol of Saraswathi Devi from Padmanabhapuram is accompanied by the idol of Sri Kumaraswamy of Kumarakovil and the idol of Munnottu Nangai of Suchindram. Even today the festival is celebrated elaborately with the participation of the public. Navarathri celebrations spill over with the ceremony of Vidyarambham. Saraswathi Devi arrives on Kumaraswami on a silver horse and Manutti Nanga on a palanquin. The idols are taken back ceremonially at the end of the festival. This is carried out under the aegis of Sree Chithira Thirunal Memorial Cultural Committee.
The idol of Saraswathi Devi was worshipped by Kambar, the author of Kamba Ramayanam, in the 12th century. Before his death, Kambar handed this idol to Kulasekhara Perumal. The Navarathri festival conducted earlier at Padmanabhapuram was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram, with the change of capital. The promise given to Kambar to conduct the festival with all its splendor and devotion is maintained even today.
Kottavathil
The distance from the sanctum of Sree Padmanabhaswamy to the forts lying on the east and west side of the temple is almost equal. Inside the fort is a round shape. The "Swadesh Darshan" scheme fund from the Central Government was utilized to renovate the four nadas of the temple and pathways at east and west nada were paved with granites. The surrounding area of the temple was cleared and decorated by installing luxurious street lamps with underground electric cables.
Kallaana (Elephant in Stone)
There is an unfinished statue of an elephant in stone at the eastern side of the Padma Theertham. It is said that Maharaja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma (Dharma Raja 1758-98), ordered eight statues of elephants inside the fort as a representation of Ashta Dikpalas. But the work could not be completed because of the untimely death of the sculptor. Another legend says that the elephants were built in memory of the escape of Travancore from the attack of Tipu Sultan. Yet another story is that an unknown sculptor built it during the renovation of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Stone Step
Older generations say the temple had 18 steps in granite and gradually five of them had gone deep under the soil. Now, only 13 steps could be seen. These steps represent eight vikaras, three gunas, five indriyas and two avabodhavasthas.
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