After 270 Years Padmanabhaswamy Temple Perform Grand Maha Kumbhabhishekam

Divine Splendor: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s Rare Maha Kumbhabhishekam After 270 Years.

B Upendran | HENB |  Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | June 10, 2025:: – In a grand display of devotion and tradition, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, hosted a rare Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony on June 8, 2025. This momentous occasion marked the first time in 270 years that the ancient temple has undergone such a comprehensive renovation and consecration.

A Grand Consecration

The Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony was held following the recent completion of long-overdue renovation work at the temple. Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple premises to witness this rare ritual, which began with the dedication of “thazhikakudams” (three domes above the sanctum sanctorum), the reinstallation of the Vishwaksena idol, and the ‘Ashtabandha Kalasam’ at the Thiruvambady Sree Krishna Temple within the main complex.

Rituals and Ceremonies

The rituals were performed by priests during the auspicious time between 7:40 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the present head of the Travancore royal family, offered prayers at the shrine, marking the beginning of the ceremonies. The tantri (head priest) carried out the “Ashtabandha Kalasam” at the Thiruvambady Temple, followed by the reinstallation of the 300-year-old Vishwaksena idol built in “katu sarkara yogam” style.

Elaborate Arrangements

Temple authorities made elaborate arrangements to ensure that devotees could witness the rare ritual. Video walls were set up on all four entrances of the shrine, and long queues of devotees were seen since early morning at the temple entrances. Kerala Governor Vishwanath Rajendra Arlekar was present at the shrine to witness the rare ritual throughout.

Significance of the Ceremony

The Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony is a significant event that aims to reinforce spiritual energy and reawaken the sanctity of the shrine. Temple authorities stated that such a comprehensive renovation and the accompanying rituals were held at the centuries-old shrine after a gap of over 270 years, and it is unlikely to occur again in the next several decades.

A City Born of Tradition

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only a revered spiritual landmark but also lends its name to Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, meaning “The City of Lord Anantha”. Lord Vishnu is enshrined in a reclining posture on the serpent God ‘Anantha’ within the temple. The renovation work was carried out as per the directive of the Supreme Court-appointed expert panel in 2017, and various renovation works were completed in a phased manner from 2021 onwards.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

For the devotees who witnessed the Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The temple’s rich history and cultural significance were on full display, and the ceremony served as a testament to the enduring traditions and spiritual practices of the region. As the temple continues to thrive, the memories of this grand consecration will be etched in the minds of devotees for generations to come.

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_Inputs from PTI.