SARASWATHIDEVI TEMPLE, POOJAPPURA, TRIVANDRUM Introduction
Poojappura, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram,transforms into a vibrant spiritual hub during Navaratri. Sree Saraswathi DeviKshethram and its famed Saraswathi Mandapam become the focal points ofdevotion, classical music, and age-old rituals that echo the legacy ofTravancore’s royal traditions. Poojappura SaraswatiDevi Temple Poojappura Saraswati Devi Temple is a temple located inPoojappura, Thiruvananthapuram district , Kerala . The temple, which is under the jurisdiction of theThiruvananthapuram Municipality, is famous for its Navratri musicfestival . Earlier, worship was only offered during the Navratri Puja. Thetemple was rebuilt with a gopuram in 2010. Saraswati Mandapam The Saraswati Mandapam near the temple is built on 28 blackstone pillars. The black stone pillars have carved characters from epicstories. It is said thatthis Saraswati Mandapam was established during the reign of Anizham ThirunalMarthanda Varma . Relation with Thukkala(Kanyakumari District) During Navratri , there is a tradition of bringing the idolsof the silver horse and Murugan from the Kumara Kovil in Takkala in Kanyakumaridistrict with a Kavadi and placing them in the Saraswati Mandapam for worship.After the worship, they also visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and return. During the reign of theking, it is said that the king would visit the Saraswati Mandapam and give 7silver coins.Currently, the Saraswati Mandapam owned by the Thiruvananthapuram Municipality iscurrently under the control of the trust. History Historian M.G. Sashibhooshan traces the place’s significanceto the time of Dharma RajaKarthika Thirunal Rama Varma, who shifted the capital from Padmanabhapuram toThiruvananthapuram in the late 18th century amid rising military threats. Swathi Thirunal, with hisdeep cultural leanings, later built the Kunnu Bungalow in Poojappura and beganstructured Navaratri rituals here, blending devotion with regal grandeur. Navarathri procedures During Navaratri, the temple complex hosts rituals like Ayudha Pooja, where books andweapons are venerated, and Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami, where childrenare initiated into learning. The idol of Subrahmanya from Aryashala is ceremonially placednear the Saraswathi Mandapam on the tenth day a tradition known as Nalliruppu. On Vijayadashami morning, the king once offered a ceremonialbow to the deity, a gesture now emulated by devotees. One of the most distincttraditions is the arrival of the silver horse and Murukanta deities from the Kumara Temple inThuckalay, Kanyakumari district. These are brought to the Saraswathi Mandapamin a grand procession, kept for darshan and rituals, then taken to thePadmanabhaswamy Temple before returning to Thuckalay. In royal times, offeringswere made by the king on the seventh day now a continuing tradition upheld bydevotees. Another key highlight is the Kanakasabha Darshanam, helddaily at 8:30 p.m. during Navaratri. The original idol (moola vigraham) of Saraswathi Devi is brought fromthe sanctum to the Mandapam for special worship before being returned. Thisdivine glimpse draws large crowds, reaffirming the temple's spiritual aura. TheSaraswathi Mandapam, is also the stage for the Navaratri music festival anevent cherished by classical music lovers across Kerala. Devotional recitalslike Harinamakeerthanam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Devi Bhagavatham, andNarayaneeyam form a daily spiritual rhythm during the festival. Poojappura Saraswati Mandapam and Temple is the place where history and culture come together. Let's explore theSaraswati Mandapam and temple in Poojappura, which are filled with history,customs and rituals. The Saraswati Temple and Saraswati Mandapam in Poojappura areone of the temples where the main Navratri celebrations are held in thedistrict. This temple, which is visited by 100 devotees every day, was built during the Travancore period. The temple, which is under the jurisdiction of theThiruvananthapuram Municipality, is famous for its Navratri music festival.Many children come here to start their journey to the world of letters bytaking their first letter at the Saraswati Mandapam in Poojappura These granite pillars have carved characters from epicstories. It is said that this Saraswati Mandapam was established during thereign of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. Swathi Thirunal loved the place due to its geographicallocation. Poojappura name means pooja veykkunna pura. Poojadenotes the worship performed on Mahanavami and Vijayadashami festivals andPura in Malayalam means a resting place. Thus, it means a place of worship. Maybe he was inspired byMysore’s Duserra celebrations,” he adds. On Mahanavami, books and weapons were worshipped in the sameplace, adds the historian. “Also from the time of Swathi Thirunal, the placealso observed Ayudha Pooja of Travancore soldiers,” he says. Poojas the Poojappura Saraswathi Temple in Trivandrum has dailyPoojas and is open to devotees. While specific timings aren't listed in theprovided results, Justdial states the temple is open until 8 PM, and you cancall the provided phone number, +91-9388899770 Vijayadashami(Vidyarambham Day): Vjaya Dasami is the last day of Navaratri celebrations. Thursday, October 2, 2025 isVijayadasami day. Posted by R.Gopalakrishnan compiling from websites.Gopalakrishnan 2-10-2025 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1334781366.1870824.1759375783891%40mail.yahoo.com.
