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Padmanabhaswamy Temple's Murajapam: Ancient Ritual Returns Amid Kumbh Mela Vision

The ancient Murajapam ritual is set to begin at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on November 20. This six-yearly ceremony involves seven days of continuous Vedic chanting by hundreds of scholars. Temple authorities expect significantly larger crowds than the previous 2020 edition and are coordinating with police for security. The governing council has an ambitious vision to transform this ritual into South India's equivalent of the Kumbh Mela by 2032.

Key Points: Padmanabhaswamy Temple Murajapam Ritual Begins November 20

  • Ancient ritual initiated by Marthanda Varma for kingdom's welfare centuries ago
  • Seven-day Vedic chanting of Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda scriptures
  • Hundreds of scholars participate for 56 days with elaborate processions
  • Temple aims to recover unauthorized properties as key committee mission
  • Expecting larger crowds than 2020 edition with enhanced security measures
  • Vision to transform ceremony into South India's equivalent of Kumbh Mela
3 min read

Kerala: Murajapam ritual to begin at Padmanabhaswamy temple from November 20

The ancient Murajapam ritual returns to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple with 56 days of Vedic chanting, aiming to become South India's Kumbh Mela by 2032.

"By 2032, our hope is to transform this into a major Kumbh Mela of South India - Karamana Jayan"

Thiruvananthapuram, November 18

The governing council member of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the representative of the Central government, Karamana Jayan, on Wednesday, explained the ritual of Murajapam ahead of the celebrations to be held at the temple in Kerala's capital city of Thiruvananthapuram on November 20.

"There is a legend surrounding Murajapam. It was initiated centuries ago by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the Travancore royal family for the welfare and prosperity of the people and the kingdom," he said.

"This ritual, which takes place once every six years, involves the sequential chanting of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda. After the days of chanting, the ritual culminates in Mura Siveveli," he added.

He elaborated that the ceremonies will begin on November 20, after the Veda Mandapam is set up on Wednesday. The chanting will continue for seven days, followed by Mura Siverveli on the eighth day.

"The ceremonies begin on November 20, with the Veda Mandapam being set up on November 19. The chanting continues for seven days, and on the eighth day, Mura Siveveli is performed. The deity will be taken out in procession on different vahanams (vehicles). Hundreds of Vedic scholars participate, staying here for 56 days and chanting at various levels," he stated.

Karamana Jayan further added that the council will hold discussions with the police for the complete security arrangements and for the crowd management, as the council expects a much larger crowd this year.

"We will hold discussions with the police on how to manage the large crowds. The last Murajapam was held in 2020, and we expect a much larger turnout this year," he said.

Emphasising the vision of turning the celebration into the "Kumbh Mela of South India", he said, "By 2032, our hope is to transform this into a major Kumbh Mela of South India. The governing committee has already begun the groundwork for this vision."

"In the future, we want the upcoming generations to see the Murajapam and Lakshadeepam of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple evolve into a grand Kumbh Mela. What you see around this temple was once the language and culture of the temple itself. The royal family, with great generosity, handed over many of these responsibilities to others," he added.

He marked the key objectives to reclaim the temple's properties as many assets are in possession of people by unauthorised means and recovering them is one of the integral missions of the governing committee.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the cultural significance, I hope the temple committee focuses more on making the temple accessible to common people rather than turning it into another commercial Kumbh Mela. The spiritual essence should not be lost in crowd management.
A
Arjun K
The vision to make this the "Kumbh Mela of South India" by 2032 is ambitious! This could really put Kerala's spiritual heritage on the global map. Good to see proper planning for security and crowd management.
S
Sarah B
As someone visiting from abroad, I'm fascinated by the rich history behind this ritual. The fact that it's been happening every six years for centuries is incredible. Planning to attend and witness this cultural marvel!
V
Vikram M
Recovering the temple's properties from unauthorized possession is long overdue. The governing committee should be firm about this. Our temple assets belong to the deity, not to individuals. Jai Padmanabha!
K
Kavya N
My family has been attending Murajapam for generations. The spiritual energy during the Vedic chanting is indescribable. So happy that this tradition continues with such dedication. 🕉️
M
Michael C
The coordination required for hundreds of Vedic scholars to stay and chant for 56 days is massive! Hats off to the temple administration for maintaining such

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