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| Thiruvananthapuram-God's
Own City |
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| The land
of Lord Padmanabha |
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Thiruvananthapuram,
earlier known as Trivandrum, is the capital city of
Kerala. The name literally splits into "Tiru","Anantha"
"Puram" meaning "the town of Lord
Anantha". (Named after Anantha, the thousand
- headed serpent of Hindu mythology, the city once formed
a part of the Travancore kingdom, its capital at Padmanabhapuram,
now a part of Tamil Nadu.) This is really true since
the temple is at the heart of the town and for generations,
the kings have called themselves "Padmanabha-Dasa"
or the "servants of LORD Ananthapadmanabha",
and ruled the state as the representatives of LORD Anantha-Padmanabha |
The town has
a history of supporting fine art and culture. The Kings
of Tiruvancore (Thirunals as they are known) have not
only promoted art but have themselves been accomplished
artists. |
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The
most famous of them are Swathi Tirunal who is
a well known composer in both Karnatak and Hindustani
systems of music, and Raja Ravi Varma the internationally
acclaimed painter, well known for inventing paints using
natural materials.
The town bustles with activity during Navaratri,
when music festivals are held in the Sri Padmanabha
Swamy Temple. Unique in its style, the temple combines
the Chola and Chera styles and is large enough to conduct
processions within the temple. There is a separate quandrangle
for dancers, where even the pillars are tuned and reverberate
to different notes! Anantha-Padmanabha in reclined posture
is a large statue, which needs to be viewed from three
separate doors
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Napier
Museum is an important and unique building
which houses several artifacts and rare musical
instruments used in yesteryears. Within the museum
complex is the Sri Chitra Art gallary which
houses Raja Ravi Varma's most famous paintings. |
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| It
also brings to light the unique history of Travancore
state, where education was given prominence. Another
full length painting captures the mood of temple entry
act of 1932 when untouchables were allowed into the
Padmanabha temple. Their disbelief, reverence to the
LORD are brought out well. |
| During
the beginning of this century, the state had a statesman
Diwan called Sir.C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer, who made women's
education compulsory and free. He also allocated 15%
of the state budget to education, laying the foundation
for 100% literacy, which Kerala achieved a few years
ago. Petty shop owners were heavily fined if their customers
spilled garbage (banana skins etc) into the streets.
This is reflected even today, all the shops carry a
tin case as refuse bin to keep their city clean!
Thiruvananthapuram
is, decidedly, one of the cleaner and well-planned cities
of the country. The city's scenic appeal, its enchanting
beaches, and overwhelming greenery only add to its uniqueness.
It embodies the magical feel of Kerala, as a whole,
and lends terrific insight into the culture of the state.
The red-tiled roofs, the never-ending stretches of palm
trees, the maze of narrow, winding streets and above
all, the sea, make for a fascinating mixture. There
is an element of understated and effortless elegance
about the city, which leaves a lasting impression on
the visitor.Extensive backwaters provide plenty of water
resouce for all. People in fact are in the habit of
bathing thrice a day and are well known for their good
personal hygene.
At the southern
edge of the city is the internationally known Kovalam
beach, which has the picturesque view of a paradise.
Except for the monsoon season (June-Sept) the beach
is a good place to swim and surf, due to it blue, shallow,
waters. Specially designed cottages to catch the best
of surf and sun make it an excellent summer resort with
sauna, yoga and other health clubs provided during the
season.
Thiruvananthapuram,
built over seven forested hills, it's hard to
imagine that it is a state capital. The city of the
Scared Snake is unlike any other Indian state capital
and has managed to retain the magic ambience so characteristic
of Kerala in general - red-tiled roofs, narrow winding
lanes, intimate corner cafes, dilapidated municipal
buses and necessary business accomplished in a friendly
manner with a relatively high degree of efficiency.
The only real bustle you'll encounter here is during
rush hours. |
| At
the northern edge of the city is the space centre
where India began its space program in a disused
church. Visitors to this city can view launching
of sounding rockets on wednesday evenings. These rockets,
launched for conducting physics experiments, have been
a regular feature for years now. Located on the magnetic
equator, the data from the equitorial electrojet at
about 70 kms altitude has particular importance to meteorology.
A city of tradition and space technology, Thiruvananthapuram
truly represents the contrasts India is well known for.
Being the capital
of a state which boasts 100% literacy, it is
both clean and environmentally conscious. Ayurveda -
the Indian system of medicine (extensive use of herbs
and roots), is well supported in this state. Doctors
practicing this school of medicine have kept alive their
generations of knowledge. Today they are supported by
the University which conducts undergrad, graduate and
research courses in the field of Ayurveda. With valuable
help from this Dhanvantari (Doctor) traditions an Ayurvedic
pharmacopia exists today and standardized medicines
are marketed in India and abroad.
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The
city is home to one of India's best known architects
Mr.Larie W.Baker. This octogenerian architect
has built some of the most beautiful residential and
public buildings here using his low-cost techniques
using local materials and traditions. One of his widely
known public buildings is the Centre for Economic development,
which was built economically by Baker. His own home
in Nalanchira (1.5 km from my home), often attracts
visitors. Although he has been decorated by the Govt
of India (Padmabhushan) and the British Queen (Honours
list) he continues to be a simple but radical person.
He has lived here for decades, helping people build
beautiful houses/churches/public buildings at an unimaginably
low cost. ... .and i used to see him walking through
the road ...having his pack of bread in his hand....
! a much debated but unknown to most.. |
| Thiruvananthapuram
has been the home town of some Legendary actors such
as Shri Mohanlal aka Lalettan and Shri Jagathy
Sreekumar, both being vital for the malayalam cinema..
Click to know more about
lalettan, his movies, awards and his life. |
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| *Courtesy : Raghu & Ministry
of External affairs |
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