What Ancient Secrets Is Thiruvananthapuram Hiding? These Local Myths Are Stranger Than Fiction!

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is famous for its pristine beaches, stunning monuments, and greenery. However, the city has a spirit with rich stories. The legends and myths that exist within the culture substantiate the spirituality, history, and at times the fanciful nature of this ancient city. Let us embark on a storytelling journey of some of Thiruvananthapuram’s unbelievable stories.

1.The Sacred Origins: Lord Ananta and the City’s Name

The word “Thiruvananthapuram” means “The Abode of Lord Ananta.” This name comes from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is shown to be lying on the magical serpent Ananta. 

It is said that a devoted sage Divakara Muni was lucky enough to get a glimpse of Lord Vishnu as a toddler. Then he vanished after getting scolded by the sage. While trying to hunt him down, Divakara Muni found a divine sculpture of Lord Vishnu lying on a serpent under a fig tree in Ananthankadu forest. This sculpture was later worshipped in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple which provided the city its identity.

Points to Consider: 

  • The temple is considered one of the richest temples in the world because of its concealed vaults full of treasures. 
  • The deity can be seen through three doors of the sanctum and measures more than 18 feet in length. 

2.The Jinx of the Travancore Royals 

The royal family of Travancore, who ruled the area for a number of centuries, have a close association with the stories of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In 1750, Maharaja Marthanda Varma pledged the kingdom to Lord Padmanabha and claimed himself to be the deity’s servant. This act of devotion, termed as “Thrippadi Danam,” invoked divine blessings, but also a rather strange curse. 

As per hearsay, any ruler who does not serve Lord Padmanabha diligently is said to pay a terrible price. Various stories persist of royals meeting a fatal end or finding themselves deep in trouble if they did not follow their responsibilities. To this day, this curse persists in the form of the city’s mythology, merging control with religion. 

Points to Consider: 

  • The Travancore rulers have a practice of presenting their yearly budget in the temple. 
  • Even after the abolition of royal powers, the family still retains some ceremonial functions.

3.The Shadow of Vellayani Lake

The freshwater Vellayani Lake, located at the fringes of the city, is known for its ghostly tale. Local residents believe in the spirit of a woman that is said to haunt its shores. According to the legend, the woman was a bride who got deceived by her lover which resulted in her drowning in the lake. It is said that her soul, clad in a wedding gown, searches for peace on moonlit nights, roaming the shores.

Even though tipsters disregard this story as folklore, a number of villagers claim that they have seen strange apparitions or heard fracture sounds nearby the lake during the night. This story adds a lense of exquisite charm to the otherwise picturesque view.

Facts to Note:

  • Vellayani Lake provides drinking water to the city.
  • In addition, Vellayani Lake is famous for hosting boat races during the Onam festival.

4.The Enchantment of Kanakakunnu Palace

Another treasure trove of myths is Kanakakunnu Palace, which is an architectural marvel located amidst lush green gardens. It is said that the palace served as a venue for royal feasts and cultural gatherings but still holds a more magical charm.

An old legend says that the palace is connected to the SreePadmanabhaswamy Temple by a tunnel. This tunnel supposedly allowed the royalty to move treasures and flee in case of an emergency. While there is no supporting evidence for this claim, the imagination can only wonder about the magnificence of the palace and why it remains under so much secrecy. 

To Remember:

  • The palace is currently being used for the All India Dance Festival and other cultural programs.
  • The gardens have a romantic ambience suited to those wanting to take a walk or have a picnic. 

 

5.Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, located in the center of the city, is famous for the idol of Lord Ganesha who is unsolicitedly seated. There is a legendary story about the sculptor that carved this idol. 

As the story goes, the sculptor, so full of himself from his masterpiece, was punished by Lord Ganesha himself. The divine figure announced that the sculptor would lack the making sense skills needed to sculpt anything appealing, and become skill-less….forever. This tepid sculptor is said to have spent the rest of his days devotion towards Lord Ganesha. 

To Remember:

  • The temple is well-known for the custom of offering coconuts to the god. It’s frequently visited by many tourists and worshippers.

6.The East Fort Fables

The area surrounding the East Fort is as interesting as the Temple itself. It has its share of local lore including haunting tales which describe ethereal spirits drifting through the deserted areas and old buildings. These ghosts are said to be harmless but their eerie whispers and shadows have been known to frighten visitors.

These ghostly tales add to the rich history of the fort.

Points to Remember:

  • East Fort is the commercial and cultural center of the city.
  • It is an access point for several other historic sites in Thiruvananthapuram.

Final Remarks

There is a lot more to Thiruvananthapuram’s legends and myths other than mere tales as these embody the spirit of a city that is immensely proud of its heritage. They describe a world where humankind meets the divine, history intertwines with fantasy, and exploring these fables provides not only joy but also a sense of oneness with the city. 

On your next trip here, try to look past the contemporary veneer of the city. Pay attention, and you just might find that the wind carries with it the soothing whispers of ancient mythology.

 

News