The 56-day Murajapam at the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple concluded on January 14, 2026, with the awe-inspiring Lakshadeepam—the lighting of one lakh traditional oil lamps that turned the temple precincts into a radiant corridor of devotion. Held once every six years, the observance drew thousands of devotees for its final-day darshan and rituals.
Return of a Time-Honoured Tradition
Murajapam for the 2025–26 cycle commenced on November 20, 2025, following the customary proclamation associated with the Travancore royal family. Reports and official posts also highlighted actor Mohanlal’s involvement with the traditional proclamation ceremony ahead of the festival’s start.
Temple accounts describe Murajapam as a large-scale Vedic observance conducted for peace, prosperity, and collective well-being, with the ritual’s name commonly explained as “chanting in turns”—mura (turn/round) and japam (chanting).
Days of Devotion and Ritual Practice
Across the festival period, Vedic scholars from different parts of India conducted structured recitations in seven rounds (muras) of eight days each, with each round culminating in Muraseeveli processions. During these, the sanctified idols of Sree Padmanabha Swamy, Narasimha, and Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna are traditionally taken in ceremonial procession.
This edition also marked a notable expansion: alongside Rig, Yajur, and Sama Veda, reports confirm the Atharva Veda was included as a novelty for the 2025–26 Murajapam.
Evenings featured Jalajapam at the Padmatheertham pond—Vedic chanting performed as part of the ritual continuum leading into the finale.
Lakshadeepam: The Glow of a Lakh Lamps
The grand climax arrived on January 14 with Lakshadeepam, as one lakh oil lamps were lit across temple corridors and precincts, creating a luminous “river of light” against the temple’s ancient architecture. The day’s sequence included special poojas, final chanting sessions, and the concluding processional observances before the evening illumination.
With heavy crowds expected, entry and movement were regulated—this year notably through barcode-enabled passes introduced to streamline access and crowd flow for the finale.
Cultural Dimensions and Community Engagement
Alongside the religious observances, cultural performances under “Vande Padmanabham” complemented the festival calendar. Reports note actor Rana Daggubati inaugurated the cultural programme associated with the Murajapam–Lakshadeepam period.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Contemporary reporting traces Murajapam’s institutionalisation to Travancore king Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (18th century), and the ceremony continues as one of Kerala’s most revered periodic Vedic observances—where devotion, heritage, and community participation converge.
—By Sonali