Kerala: Murajapam rituals begin in Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple

Over 200 Vedic scholars from Kanchipuram, Sringeri, Pejawar, Brahmana Sabha, Yogashema Sabha and many other Vedic schools of India came to participate in the rituals of Murajapam that started on Thursday at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and will conclude in January next year.

Thiruvananthapuram: Centuries-old ritual 'Murjapam', chanting of mantras, conducted once every six years, began at the famed Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The 56-old ritual that began on Thursday, involves the ceremonial chanting of Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda by around 200 scholars from Kanchipuram, Sringeri, Pejawar, Brahmana Sabha and Yogashema Sabha. The Vedas are chanted for the overall well-being of the people and the prosperity of the country.

Shankara Narayana, a scholar from Karnataka said: "The Rigveda, Yajurveda and the Samaveda are chanted for the welfare and the prosperity of the nation. Vedas are considered as god's breath and it is a blessing to come here and chant in the presence of Sree Padmanabhaswamy."

Sreekrishna Shabaraya, another Vedic scholar said: "The main concept of Vedic chanting is 'Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu', which means 'May peace and happiness prevail overall.'"

The rituals will conclude in January next year.