Thousands of devotees are pouring in to the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple here to witness the ‘Murajapam’ ritual that started on Wednesday. The ritualistic chanting of the Vedas, held once every six years at the temple, will conclude with the ‘Lakshadeepam’ festival on January 14. “Since Wednesday, the average number of visitors has risen to 10,000 a day. The ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage too is adding to the rush,” said temple administrative officer Jayasekharan Nair.
Cultural events are also held on all days during the ‘Murajapam.’
Chanting in Turns
The 56-day Murajapam ritual involves the chanting of Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda by 196 Veda scholars. Of them, 150 are from the state and 46 from outside under the auspices of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. The Vedic mantras are chanted in seven turns and hence the name ‘murajapam’ (‘mura’ means turn and ‘japam’, chanting). Each turn consists of eight days.
Azhvancheri Krishnan Thamprakkal, Thirunavaya Vadhyan and Thrissur Vadhyan are leading the Murajapam. The rituals are headed by temple ‘thantri’ Nadumballi Tharanalloor Nambudiri.
The Vedas are chanted from 6.30 am to 8.30 am. The devotees have the opportunity to join the ‘Vishnusahsranama’ chanting held from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The Vishnusahasranama is chanted at the Kulasekhara mandapam.
The idol of Lord Sree Padmanabha will be adorned with traditional ornaments on the Murajapam days. The special ornaments include ‘Sarapolimala’, ‘Vilwasarapolimala’, ‘Kamala Mala’, ‘Adyanam’ and ‘Vailaya Alankaram’ - all ancient gold ornaments.
‘Sheevelis’
‘Sheeveli’, the ceremonial processions circumambulating the inner complex of the temple, will be held on certain days during the ‘Murajapam.’ The idol of the presiding deities will be taken on ‘vahanam’ (carrier) in gold and silver during the ‘sheeveli’ days. The ‘sheeveli’ dates and corresponding ‘vahanas’ are November 27 (Ananthavahanam), December 5 (Kamala Vahanam), December 13 (Indra Vahanam), December 21 (Pallakku), December 29 (Indra Vahanam), January 6 (Pallakku) and January 14 (Garuda Vahanam).
Travancore royal family head Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma will accompany the ‘sheeveli’ processions, holding the royal sword.
Lakshadeepam
The Murajapam will conclude with the Lakshadeepam festival on the day of Makara Sankranthi (winter solstice) on January 14. On the day, the temple, its ‘gopurams’ (towers) and premises will be lit up using one lakh lamps. The royal family will make the ritualistic offering of a ‘vilwasarapolimala’ (traditional gold ornament) and silk to Lord Sree Padmanabha. The next day, the family will also donate a tusker to the temple.