Anantha Sayanam - The Richie Rich God of India

Anantha Sayana Padmanaabha - The Richest

Shaantaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padma Naabham Suresam

Vishwaadhaaram Gagana sadrusam Megha varnam Shubhaangam

Lakshmikaantham Kamala nayanam Yogi hrudyaanagamyam

Vande Vishnum Bhava Bhaya Haram Sarva Lokaika Natham !!

 
Salutations to the one who is always pleasant and rests on mighty serpant Anantha Sesha, Who is having a Lotus emerged from his novel in which Lord Brahma was born, Who is lord to all divine beings, Who is the root for this entire universe, Who resembles the color of sky, Who was glorious by his own, Who is the divine consort of Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Lakshmi, Whose eyes are like petals of Lotus, Who is always praised by Yogis Rishis Munis, Who removes all mental ailments is who dwells in Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu.

We all know Lord Vishnu, the ruler, preserver and enemy to all negative forces is so popular in Hinduism. He is known to all as the center of Trinity (Brahma Vishnu Maheswara). His temples are so many in India. Even out of India, we have huge temples dedicated to him (ex: Angkor Wat). Vishnu is being worshipped in three poses 1. Sthanaka (Standing pose, like Sri Venkateswara in Tirumala Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh; Sri Varadaraja in Kaanchipuram, Tamilnadu), 2. Aaseena (Sitting pose, like Sri Mahavishnu in Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kerala; Sri Nrusimha in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh; Sri Pattabi Raama in Badrachalam, Telangana) and 3. Sayana (Sleeping/Resting pose, Sri Ananta Padmanabha in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; Sri Ranganatha in Srirangam, Tamilnadu). All of his temples having his reclining pose as a main deity are in South India. Out of which SRI ANANTHA PADMANAABHA SWAMY TEMPLE in THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala is the most well known and famous because of its wealth that has been come out from temple treasuries.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. While the Moolasthanam of the temple is the ANANTHAPURAM Temple in KASARGOD, Kerala. It is the richest Hindu temple in the world in terms of gold assets and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults (not accounting for historical value). At the time of writing, only 5 of the 8 underground vaults had been opened and explored.

Who is PADMA NAABHA

The principal deity Lord Vishnu is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Anantha Sesha. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore, Kerala. The titular Maharaja of Travancore declares themselves as 'Sree Padmanabhadasa', the slave of Lord Padmanabha. In line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple and devotees have to strictly follow the dress code. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to "The City of Lord Ananta"(Thiru Anantha Puram), referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The temple is one of the 108 principal Divya Desams ("Holy Abodes") in Vaishnavism, and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha. There is an annual Vrata on his name "Sri Anantha Padmanabha Vratam" conducted on Anantha Chaturdashi, the 14th lunar night in the month of Bhadrapada (Aug-Sep).The Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod is believed to be the 'Moolasthanam' of the THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Temple.

The past of the temple is still obscure except for some myths. It was at Ananthapuram, Kasargod where Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam, the great Tulu Brahmin sage, did penance and performed poojas. Legend has it that one day Lord Vishnu appeared before him as a child. The boy’s face was glowing with radiance and this overwhelmed the sage. He became anxious and asked who he was. The boy replied that he had no father no mother and is an Orphan. Vilwamangalam felt pity for the boy and allowed him to stay there. The boy proposed a condition that whenever he feels humiliated he will leave the place. He served the sage for sometime. But soon his juvenile pranks became intolerable for the sage and he reacted violently. Humiliated boy disappeared from there after proclaiming that if Vilwamangalam wants to see him he would have to go to Ananthankat, the forest of serpent god Anantha (which is believed to be the coast of Kerala).

Vilwamangalam soon realized that the boy was none but the lord himself and he had great repentance. He found a cave at the place where the boy disappeared and he proceeded further into the cave in search of the boy. He reached the sea and proceeded further toward the south and at last he reached a woody area near the sea. Vilwamangalam saw the child who soon disappeared into huge illippa tree (Indian butter tree or Mahua tree). Immediately the tree fell down and assumed the shape of Lord Vishnu lying on a thousands hooded serpent. With the assistance of the reigning King and some Brahmin households, Lord Vishnu's idol was brought to Thiruvananthapuram which is serving as a capital for the reigning King and installed. Later a Temple was constructed.

MOOLASTHANAM - Ananthapuram Lake Temple

 

Since Lord has given darshan to Divakara Muni at Ananthakat (Ananthapuram in Kasargod), there is an another temple in the middle of a lake in the little village of Ananthapura. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and is believed to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami. The temple is unique in its structural aspects for it is erected in the middle of an impressive lake of 302 feet. The lake is gifted with a perennial supply of pure spring water. The principal deity is Lord Vishnu. One of the key features of the temple is that the original idols in the sanctum sanctorum were not made of metal or stone, but of a rare combination of more than 70 medicinal materials called `kadu-sharkara-yogam.' The Lord Vishnu idol is in a sitting pose over a five-hooded serpent king Lord Anantha. The lake temple is open to all visitors regardless of caste or creed. The District Tourism Promotion Council has plans to preserve the temple and its surroundings for its uniqueness.

Babia the crocodile guardian @ Moolasthanam Ananthapuram Lake Temple

The temple also has yet another interesting tale to tell - the story of the guardian crocodile. From very ancient times, one crocodile has been seen there. Though devotees used to take bath in the tank there is no instance of it harming anyone. Babia is the name by which this guardian is known to the world. It is the local guardian and the messenger of the temple. The only food that Babia takes is the offerings of the devotees. Usually it is a special gruel made of rice and molasses. After the worship, the feed offered by devotees is given to Babia at noon. Temple authorities claim that Babia is a vegetarian and has never harmed anyone including the fishes in the pond.

 

There is an interesting local legend that narrates the entire story behind the guardian crocodile. When Divakara muni is searching for Lord Vishnu at this place when he came to know that the boy who disturbed him is none other than the Lord himself; It was this crocodile which has shown the path to the cave into which Vishnu is disappeared. While leaving with Padmanabha swamy Idol to THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, He first installed a Anantha Sesha Sukhaaseena Vishnu at this place and made this crocodile as guardian. The cave into which Lord is said to have disappeared is still there and the crocodile guards the entrance and the shrine.

In 1945, when the British soldiers were stationed there, one soldier shot dead the crocodile. To the surprise of everyone the soldier died within few days by a snake-bite. People believe it to be a revenge by the serpent god Anantha. Soon another crocodile appeared in the tank and even now if one is fortunate one can see it. The legend goes that there is only one crocodile in the lake at a time. When one crocodile dies, another one appears in the lake. The devotees pay great respect to this crocodile.

PADMANAABHA in THREE DOORS

In the sanctum sanctorum, Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha Sesha. The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord's right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi-Lakshmi, 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. The deity is made from 12,000 saligramams. These saligrams are from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal. The deity of Padmanabha is covered with, "Katu sarkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix, which forms a plaster that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers and for the abhishekam, special deities are used.The platforms in front of the vimanam and where the deity rests, are both carved out of a single massive stone and hence called "Ottakkal-mandapam."

 

In order to perform darshan and puja, one has to ascend to the mandapam. The Deity is visible through three doors – the visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath the hand is seen through the first door; Sridevi and Bhrigu Muni, Brahma seated on a lotus emerged from the Lord's navel, hence the name, "Padmanabha", gold abhisheka moorthies of Lord Padmanabha, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthi of Padmanabha through the second door; the Lord's feet, and Bhudevi and Markandeya Muni through the third door. Only the King of Travancore may perform sashtanga namaskaram on the "Ottakkal Mandapam". It is traditionally held that anybody who prostrates on the mandapam has surrendered all that he possesses to the Deity. Since the ruler has already done that, he is ONLY permitted to prostrate on this mandapam.

Festivals and Temple Management

There are many festivals related to this temple. The major festivals are bi-annual. The Alpashy festival which is in October/November and the Panguni festival which is in Tamil month Panguni, March/April, lasts for 10 days each.A major annual festival related to Padmanabha temple is the Navaratri festival. This festival lasts for 9 days. The famous Swathi music festival is held every year during this festival.The biggest festival in this temple is laksha deepam, which means hundred thousand (or one lakh) lamps. This festival is unique and commences once in 6 years. Prior to this festival, chanting of prayers and recitation of three vedas is done for 56 days (Murajapam). On the last day, hundred thousand oil lamps are lit in and around the temple premises.

 

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its property were controlled by the Ettara Yogam (King's Council of Eight) with the assistance of Ettuveetil Pillamar ("Lords of the Eight Houses"). The Ettara Yogam consists of the Sabha and the Arachan (Maharaja of Travancore). The Pushpanjali Swamiyar (Sannyasins from any one of the monasteries founded by the disciples of Adi Sankara in Thrissur, Kerala) presides over the meetings of the Sabha. The decision taken by the Sabha can be implemented only if the Maharaja of Travancore approves of it.

TEMPLE TREASURE in The Vaults

The temple and its assets belong to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, and were for a long time controlled by a trust, headed by the Travancore Royal family. However, for the present, the Supreme Court of India has divested the Travancore Royal Family from leading the management of the temple. T P Sundararajan's litigations changed the way the world looked at the Temple.

 

Temple treasure is a collection of valuable objects including gold coins, statues and ornaments, diamonds and other precious stones. It was discovered in some of the subterranean vaults, When five of its six vaults were opened on 27 June 2011. The vaults were opened on the orders of the Supreme Court of India, which was hearing a private petition seeking transparency in the running of the temple. The discovery of the treasure attracted widespread national and international media attention as it is considered to be the largest collection of items of gold and precious stones in the recorded history of the world.

The temple management authorities were aware of the existence of six vaults. They are situated very close to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on its western side. For documentation purposes, these vaults have been designated as vaults A, B, C, D, E and F. Subsequently, two more vaults have been identified and they have been designated as vaults G and H.

• Four of the vaults, namely those designated as C, D, E, and F, are in the custody of the temple priests. They are opened at least eight times every year and the contents stored in them are routinely taken out for use on special ceremonial occasions such as temple festivals, and they are deposited back after use.
• As per the orders of the Supreme Court of India, a court-appointed committee opened the vaults on 30 June 2011 and entered vault A. They unlocked an iron grille and a heavy wooden door, then removed a granite slab from the floor. Beneath, five or six steps led to a small, dark room which stored the treasure. The various items found scattered everywhere, They were not arranged systematically. There were baskets, earthen pots, copper pots, all containing valuable objects. It took about 12 days to carry the treasure outside, and to take an inventory of it.
• Vault B has not been opened presumable for centuries. The Supreme Court appointed committee members opened the metal-grille door to Vault B, and discovered a sturdy wooden door just behind it. They opened this door as well, and encountered a third door, made of iron, which was jammed shut. The observers considered forcing their way in, but deemed this improper as it has SARPA BANDHA inscribed; they decided to hire a locksmith. Then, in mid-July, before the locksmith came, the royal family got an injunction from the Supreme Court against opening vault B.
• Vaults G and H also remain closed for centuries believably as of May 2016.

Vault B - The ever Untouched

Among the six vaults in the temple, Vault/ "Kallarai" B is very closely associated with Lord Sree Padmanabha and is not part of the Temple Treasury. On the orders of Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the outermost ante-chamber of Kallara B was opened in 1931. In 2011, it was opened by the Observers appointed by the Supreme Court of India. But the Observers did not open the inner chamber which possibly houses a Srichakram, an idol of Padmanabha and countless valuables meant to enhance the potency of the Presiding Deity. Moreover, Devas, Rishis and Kanjirottu Yakshi reside in the inner chamber worshipping the Supreme Lord. The enchanting and ferocious forms of Kanjirottu Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of the main Sanctum. Lord Ugra Narasimha of is believed to be the Protector of Vault B. There is a serpent's image (SARPA BANDHA) on Kallara B indicating danger to anyone who opens it. A four-day Ashtamangala Devaprasnam conducted in August 2011 declared the inner chamber of Kallara B as forbidden territory.

Emily Gilchrist Hatch, who was in Trivandrum in 1933, recalls in her book, 'Travancore: A Guide Book for the Visitor' (Oxford University Press, 1933) the 1931 opening of the Vault and also a similar but unsuccessful attempt that had been made in 1908. "About 25 years ago," she writes, "when the State needed additional money, it was thought expedient to open these chests and use the wealth they contained." "A group of people" got together and attempted to enter the vaults with torches. When they found them "infested with cobras" they "fled for their lives."

However, Gopal Subramanium in his report submitted to the Supreme Court in April 2014 recommended opening of this vault after conducting another Devaprasnam.

The Pushpanjali Swamiyar who is the highest spiritual dignitary of the Padmanabha Swamy Temple sent letters to the Chairperson of the Administrative Committee and the Executive Officer on February 8, 2016 expressing his strong opposition to the opening of Vault B. Hence as of today neither the Supreme Court nor the Travancore Royal family Trust moved forward to open the same.

Anyways all secrets/myths goes to the Ultimate Energy that resides in the temple, SREE PADMANAABHA. He become the Richest God by making the ever growing wealthier Lord SREE VENKATESWARA of Tirumala Tirupati to second in terms of Wealth :)

Padma Lochana Padma Hastha Padmajaasritha hrudaya Padmaalaya

Padma Mukha Sree Padma Naabha Parama Purusha Namosthuthey!!

 

Salutations to the Lord, Whose eyes are like lotuses; Who holds a lotus in one of his hand; Whose heart is the lotus house to the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity who holds lotuses in her two hands, Lakshmi; Whose face resembles the fully blossomed lotus; Who is having a lotus emerged from his navel in which Lord Brahma was born is the one who is the root to salvation.

May the Lord of Universe bless you all.