Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple main idol to undergo renovation, two sculptors selected; darshan timings likely to change

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The idols of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, including the original one made using the Kadu Sarkara Yogam method, will undergo renovation. The three-hundred-year-old idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy, along with 30 parivar deities, will undergo renovation. For this, the administrative committee has accepted the proposal of the temple's chief thantri, Tharananallur NP Govindan Namboothiripad, to select Durai Krishnaswamy and Thirukoshtiyur Madhavan as sculptors. The agreement will be signed on the 20th.

The renovation will be done by using rare minerals, making special compounds, and giving the required time for each stage. The complex renovation is aimed to be completed in 1065 working days. Details along with the change in darshan timings will be announced later.

In 2017, an expert committee appointed by the Supreme Court had found shortcomings, including in the original idol. Due to the lack of an expert sculptor, the temporary administrative committee appointed by the Supreme Court was unable to start the work.

When the matter came up for consideration in 2021 after the new governing body came into being, the then chief thantri denied reports of serious damage to the main idol but said that the sub-deities needed work. Vishwaksenan idol, which was damaged by fire, was advised to be rebuilt.

The idol of Vishwaksena was reconstructed and re-consecrated on June 8, 2025.

A decision was reached to start the renovation of the original idol from January 14 to July 14, the Uttarayana period, which is the end of the Murajapam and Lakshadweepam. An expert committee headed by the temple Thantri Tharananallur Satheesan Namboothiripad and comprising Kanippayoor Krishnan Namboothiripad, Pazhangaparambu Unnikrishnan Namboothiri and Cheruvally Eeswaran Namboothiri had inspected the original idol.

The Thantri ruled out the need for Balalaya Pratistha as the original idol is not seriously damaged. Festivals and other special ceremonies can be held without interruption. Devotees will be allowed to have darshan in a controlled manner.