Thiruvananthapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple – Kerala

Address

Thiruvananthapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple – Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023

Deity

Venkatachalapathy Amman: Sridevi, Bhudevi

Introduction

• Location:
  • Situated in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, approximately a minute’s walk from the southern gate of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Establishment:
  • Built in 1898.
• Significance:
  • The only temple in Kerala dedicated to the Vaishnavite Vadagalai Sampradayam.
  • Rituals based on Namboodiri Sampradayam are not followed here.

Puranic Significance

• Deity:
  • The main deity is Sri Venkatachalapathy.
• Origin Story:
  • Idol discovered by Shri Ranga Iyengar of Veeravanallur in a pond approximately 100 years ago.
  • Idol installed by Sree Ranganatha Satagopa Yateendra Mahadesikar, the 40th Azhkiya Singar, based on the Paadmasamhitai from the Paancharathra Agamam.
• Priesthood:
  • The eldest son in Shri Ranga Iyengar’s family has been the main priest and administrator for the last three generations.
• Rituals:
  • Daily rituals conducted according to the Vadakalai System.
• Architecture:
  • Lacks a Gopuram and does not strictly follow Kerala architectural style; the Sreekovil has plain construction without intricate carvings.
• Deities in the Temple:
  • Sanctum sanctorum houses idols of Alamelu Mangai Thayar and Padmasini Thayar.
  • Shrines for Navaneetha Krishnar (Santhana Gopalan), Peria Thiruvadi, Garudar, and an idol of Kulasekhara Alwar.
  • Dedicated area for Nammalwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Bashyakarar (Ramanujar), and Vishwarksenar (escort of Sree Venkatachalapathy).

Special Features

• Architectural Style:
  • Similar to Tamil Nadu temples.
• Deity Placement:
  • Deities placed on three steps, a unique feature compared to other shrines.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Vaikunta Ekadasi is the primary festival celebrated.
• Other Celebrations:
  • Diwali, Vishu, Thiru Aadi Pooram, Aadi Swathi, Onam, Janmashtami, and Alwar Thirunakshatram.
• Daily Rituals:
  • Conducted according to the Vadakalai System.

Century/Period/Age

1898

Managed By

Malabar Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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