Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Prepares for Epic 56-Day Murajapam Ritual
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The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is set to host the grand Murajapam-Lakshadweepam festival, a 56-day ritual held once every six years. Beginning on November 20, the festival will feature the continuous chanting of the Vedas and the Vishnu Sahasranamam by Vedic experts from across the country. The ceremony culminates with the Lakshadeepam, a spectacular event where the temple will be illuminated with one lakh oil lamps. The festival, which is a significant event in the temple's calendar, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees. This year, due to fire hazards and security concerns, the crowd will be managed with restrictions. However, the temple officials are making elaborate arrangements to welcome the participants and ensure a smooth experience for the devotees. The festival features daily events, including the Muraseeveli, a ceremonious parade of Lord Anandapadmanabha, which will take place every evening at 8:30 pm. Cultural programmes by leading Indian artistes will also be organised on the temple premises from November 20 to January 10. The festival aims to make the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple a major pilgrimage site in the South, rivaling the Kumbh Mela in significance. The Murajapam-Lakshadweepam festival has a rich history, dating back to the time of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the founder of the Kingdom of Travancore. The festival was instituted by him as a way to promote spirituality and cultural exchange. This year's edition promises to be an unforgettable experience for the devotees and the people of Thiruvananthapuram.
