It was so nice to travel to Trivendrum after almost 30 years. Last visit was to attend my best buddy Anian's Wedding. Now to attend his daughter Gayatri's wedding in the same hall - Trivendrum Club. Combining with this wedding, I planned for a shatradanam trip to cover temples in Kerala.
Today is the first temple visit Padmanapa Swamy Temple. What an amazing temple. To see the Moolavar (Main deity) one has to see through three Doors Head to toe Padamanapa Swamy relaxes so beautifully.
Sridevi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. Lord's right hand is placed over Shiva Lingam. The deity is made from 12,008 Shaligramams.
Adjacent to the temple is the Maharaja Swamthi Thirunal Palace Museum. Swathi Thirunal lived only for 33 years and before he passed away in 1846 here had composed over 300 Carnatic and Hindustani songs. Maharaja family had 7 members and next to the palace has 125 servant quarters. Price Rama Varma who is the carnatic singer now is a nephew of current Maharaja.
This was Chandrasekaran - the elephant ho served several kings and was a majestic elephant of 11 feet tall. The real head is preserved here (eye is artificial).
Don't miss seeing Anamorphic art work. Amazing.
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