The Temple Experience, Trivandrum

It was around 8 in the evening, and the night shadows had already fallen. The sky had turned a deep navy blue, with millions of stars gleaming glory. We entered the gates of the very famous and supposedly powerful abode of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, in the heart of Trivandrum. No, maybe that ain’t the right way to put it. I would rather say, Trivandrum is built around the temple and not vice versa, that would more appropriate.

People in Trivandrum have a lot to say when it comes to the temple. Their lives revolve around this temple. They have memories, experiences, all attached in some way or the other to this Lord of Trivandrum. Working in this temple is the dream job for many kids here. They know ever inch of this temple.

The temple has a more than thousand year old history, but the rituals are being followed with the same promptness even today. Today, when I entered, apart from the usual serenity and beautiful architecture, I could sense something special. It was the start of the ten day festival of the temple. Huge statues of the Pandavas are erected at the entrance of the East gate. The temple is beautifully lit with modernity, electric bulbs having replaced most of the olden oil lamps. The three Lords are going to be carried in Palkhis, with the Maharaja escorting them. And yes, the elephants ofcourse!

Lots and lots of people. Beautiful white sarees and dhothis, with shimmering golden borders. Soft sand, silver with moonlight. The smell of Sandalwood in the breeze. The sound of the bells. The lights. The sky. Everything seemed to easily unite, blend in. Perfect harmony.

An elephant beautifully decorated in red silk, goes round the temple. Small kids run after it. There are drums being played. The Raja arrives. Clad in a plain simple dhothi and a black cap, it seemed as though he had surrendered himself to the God. He led the procession, and escorted the three palkhis. It went around the temple three times.

We were mesmerized by the whole thing. It happened so fast, I lived every bit of it. When I came back, from ‘consciousness’ to ‘unconsciousness’, I realized that the temple was almost empty. We returned.

I don’t know what the whole affair meant, or if it was right or wrong. I didn’t think about it. I didn’t judge or analyze. I lived it. And that’s all that mattered.

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