Murajapam begins at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Murajapam, a six-yearly ritual at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, has begun. The ceremony started with a Ganapati Homam performed by Tantri Tharananellur Satheeshan Namboothiripad early morning. Priests then began chanting the Vedas in four groups inside the temple. Tantri Govindan Namboothiripad, Pradeep Namboothiripad, Saji Namboothiripad, and Padmanabhan Namboothiripad offered special Pushpanjali and Nivedyam to Sree Padmanabhaswamy. The Japam was held from 6 am to 8 am and from 9 am to 11 am. A Jalajapam was held at Padmatheertham from 6:30 pm to 7 pm.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimhaswamy, and Thiruvambadi Sreekrishnaswamy were taken out in a procession at 8:15 pm. Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma accompanied the Sribali procession. Sanyasis from the Sringeri, Udupi, Uttaradi, and Kanchipuram mutts, along with Chinna Jeeyar Swami from Hyderabad, are also taking part in the Japam.

From morning onwards, the temple saw a heavy rush of devotees. Many people gathered at Padmatheertham shore in the evening to witness the Jalajapam. At the East Nada in the evening, the Vande Padmanabham cultural programs were inaugurated by Telugu actor Rana Daggubati. The programs will be held daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until January 10. There will be no change in darshan timings in connection with the 56-day Murajapam.

Along with the chanting of the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas, the Atharva Veda has also been included this time. The 12-day special Kalabhabhishekam will be held from December 27 to January 7. The customary Margazhi Kalabham will take place from January 8 to 14. Lakshadeepam will be observed on January 14.