THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma was named ‘Ilayaraja’ (heir apparent) of Travancore kingdom, it was year 1924, and only the cosmos knew he would only bequeath the titular headship of an ‘erstwhile Travancore’. When the royal head turned 90 today, on the Uthradom asterism of Meenam, he let it pass like one of those usual days in all these long years in which only his visit to the abode of the kingdom’s guarding deity, Sree Padmanabha, has remain unchanged, for King or not, he represents the ‘Padmanabha dasas’ of the Travancore royal family.
The only addition to the routine ‘darsanam’ were two special ‘poojas’ conducted in the royal head’s name, and the release of a ‘smaranika’ dedicated to him. The book, ‘The Last Phase of Monarchy’, co-written by many who have shared a camaraderie with Uthradom Thirunal, was presented to him by BJP leader Ayyappan Pillai. Former Union Minister O Rajagopal and Dr Sankarankutty Nair, who helped compile the book, participated in the release function held at Ananthasayanam Hall, Fort. The function was followed by a lunch with family members at the Kowdiar Palace. Uthradom Thirunal has long been staying at the Pattom Palace, though he visits the Kowdiar Palace occasionally.
It was, however, a rare get-together for his kith and kin. Though concerned about his falling health and recent hospitalisation, his niece, Gouri Parvathy Bayi and her husband C R R Varma, expressed happiness at receiving him at the Kowdiar Palace. Gouri Parvathy Bayi, the daughter of Uthradom Thirunal’s late sister Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi, remembered that ‘’Kochammavan was never one to complain and be let down by anything’’.
‘’As children, we thought he was fun to be with, because he was the adventurous type, unlike a very poised ‘Ammavan’ (Chithira Thirunal Maharaja). And I have heard from my grandmother that he was an impetuous lad right from birth. She used to say that when she went into labour, she could not manage to reach the room and he was born at the foot of a staircase. He was always in a hurry and very active,’’ she said.
‘’We are all quite worried about his health. He will not abstain from visiting the temple even for a day, which is why he is particular about cutting the hospital stays short,’’ said C R R Varma.
Uthradom Thirunal received relatives and friends who called on him at the palace to greet him. At about seven in the evening, the beloved ‘Highness’ of Thiruvananthapuram returned to his residence in Pattom, where he was to have dinner with a close circle of friends.
aswathy@expressbuzz.com