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Summary:

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, India, commenced its 56-day Murajapam ritual on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This event, held once every six years, includes chanting of Vedas, Sukthas, and offerings to the deity. The ritual, started in 1750 by Marthanda Varma, now includes chanting from the Atharva Veda, in addition to the Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. Members of the Travancore royal family attended the opening ceremonies. Cultural programs were inaugurated by actor Rana Daggubati.

News Article:

Ancient Murajapam Ritual Commences at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Thiruvananthapuram, India – November 21, 2025 – The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, reverberated with ancient chants as the 56-day Murajapam ritual began on Thursday, November 20th. This significant event, held every six years, draws devotees and scholars to the temple.

The sacred ceremony commenced with a Ganapati Homam, overseen by Tantri Tharananelloor Satheesan Namboodiripad. Vedic scholars chanted sacred verses and Sukthas, accompanied by offerings of Pushpanjali and Nivedyam to the presiding deity. This year marks a special addition to the traditional recitation, with the inclusion of the Atharva Veda alongside the usual Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda.

The Murajapam ritual was initiated in 1750 by Marthanda Varma, the ruler of erstwhile Travancore, solidifying its historical significance.

Members of the Travancore royal family, including Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, Pooyam Thirunal Gouri Parvathy Bayi, and Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, graced the opening day with their presence. A public Sahasranamajapam was held in the evening at the Seevelipura.

Complementing the religious ceremonies, a series of cultural programs were inaugurated at the eastern entrance of the temple. Actor Rana Daggubati officiated the event and was presented with an Onavillu by Aditya Varma of the Travancore royal family. Daggubati also released the temple calendar for 2026.

The Murajapam ritual is expected to continue for the next 56 days, drawing a large number of pilgrims and showcasing the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala.

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