All About Thiruvananthapuram's Famous Saraswathi Devi Temple Mandapam

Thousands of devotees find solace in worship sites that reflect the history and culture of the land. Similarly, the Saraswathi Devi Temple and Mandapam in Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram, adorned with traditions and customs, offer a glimpse into its rich heritage.

The Saraswathi Devi Temple in Poojappura, a prominent venue for the main Navaratri celebrations in the district, was constructed during the Travancore royal era.

The Navaratri music festival held at the temple within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation boundaries is renowned. The Saraswathi Mandapam in Poojappura initiates a procession starting with the first letter, leading into the world of letters. It is surrounded by 28 stone pillars, each carrying tales from history, crafted during the reign of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

During Navratri, the temple hosts a grand procession where devotees arrive in large numbers, a tradition dating back to the Travancore royal era when the Saraswathi Mandapam was established. During Navratri, a traditional practice involves bringing the silver horse and Murukanta deities from the Kumara temple in Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district, and placing them in the Saraswathi mandapam. Following the rituals, they visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple before being returned to the Kumara temple. In the royal era, the king used to grant offerings on the seventh day at the Saraswathi Mandapam. This ritual is followed by devotees to this day. Currently, the management of the Saraswathi Mandapam falls under the administration of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation.

Another distinctive aspect of the celebrations here is the Kanakasabha Darshanam, a ritual conducted every festival day at 8:30 pm. During this event, priests carry the moola vigraham (original idol) of Goddess Saraswathi from the temple’s inner sanctum to the mandapam. Special poojas are performed, after which the idol is returned to its original place. Daily rituals at the Saraswathi temple include recitals of Harinamakeerthanam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Devi Bhagavatham and Narayaneeyam.