Padmanabhaswamy Temple to Host Rare 'Maha Kumbhabhishekam' After 270 Years

Padmanabhaswamy Temple to Host Rare 'Maha Kumbhabhishekam' After 270 Years (PTI image)

Thiruvananthapuram: In a rare and spiritually significant event, the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala will host the 'Maha Kumbhabhishekam' (Grand Consecration) on June 8, marking the first such ceremony in over 270 years. This historic Hindu temple ritual, associated with restoring spiritual energy and temple sanctity, follows the completion of a long-pending renovation effort at the centuries-old shrine.

Temple authorities confirmed that this ancient and sacred Vedic ritual, which aims to rejuvenate the spiritual aura of the shrine, will take place following extensive restoration work. According to B. Sreekumar, the temple manager, such a comprehensive renovation and grand ritual was last performed nearly three centuries ago and is not expected to recur in the near future.

The renovation work, conducted under the guidance of a Supreme Court-appointed expert panel in 2017, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, restoration efforts resumed steadily from 2021 onward. The temple complex now stands renewed, ready to welcome devotees from across the globe for this once-in-generations spiritual spectacle.

A series of traditional rituals are being held in preparation for the main event. These include Acharya Varanam (inviting the priests), Prasada Shuddhi (purification), Dhara, Kalasam, and others. The highlight of the event will be the consecration of newly constructed 'thazhikakudams' (sacred temple domes), the reinstallation of the Vishwaksena idol, and the Ashtabandha Kalasam at the Thiruvambady Sree Krishna Temple located within the larger complex.

Temple officials emphasized the rare opportunity this presents to devotees of Lord Padmanabha. "The Maha Kumbhabhishekam is not only a sacred ritual but also a spiritual revival that brings the global Hindu community together," Sreekumar said. Measures are in place to ensure the rituals are performed with full adherence to ancient traditions.

Situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, enshrined in a rare reclining posture on the serpent Anantha. The city’s name itself is derived from the deity, underlining the temple’s deep cultural and historical significance.

As the sacred date of June 8 approaches, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple prepares to reconnect with its divine roots through the Maha Kumbhabhishekam. For devotees and heritage lovers alike, this moment marks not only a religious milestone but also a celebration of India’s rich temple traditions.