eraniyal palace collapsed

[padmanabha]

In ancient days before the Maharajas of Travancore shifted their capital to Padmanabhapuram and the residence to the Padmanabhapuram Palace they lived in the Eraniyal Palace which is a fine example of typical Kerala style of architecture. Gabled roofs exquisite wood carvings and finely sculpted mandapam it was one of the finely architectural entities in the state. The palace now is in dilapidated condition with all the struts exposed awaiting collapse. iN THE TORRENTIAL RAIN IT COLLAPSED YESTERDAY.

Bhaskara Ravi Varma the last and celebrated Cheraman Perumal is said to have been born in the year 3444 of the Kali Era corresponding to 342 AD. His Kingdom extended over the whole of Travancore ,Kochi and Malabar. He held the reins for 44 years.

In his last years he became an ardent devotee of Siva. Sundara Moorthi Nainar –initiated into the Saivite mysteries. He decided to devote the rest of his life wholly to the worship of Siva. Sundara Moorthy Nainar of Sucheendram initiated into the Saivite mysteries. He devoted the rest of his life wholly to the worship of Siva.

He divided his kingdom among the members of his family.Kolathunad was assigned to his son who founded the family of zamorins. The nephew was made the ruler of Kochi and his elder nephew brother became the ruler of Travancore.


One day Bhaskara Ravi Varma left the palace with Sundara Moorthi Nainar. They reached a place where there is a Bhagavathy temple. He deposited his sword the emblem of his temporal power before the Deity and that place is known as Valvachagoshtam.

Legend says that the king and his Guru suddenly vanished from the Eraniyal Palace. The legend about his being taken to Heaven in his physical body is traceable to his sudden disappearance from the Eraniel Palace. Their demise is said to have occurred on the Swati day in the month of Ashada[3528 kali era].
In the Suchindram temple images of Cheraman Perumal and Sundra Moorti are taken out in procession on this day, even today.

On the granite bed stead used by the last of the Great Perumals a lamp has been kept burning in. Many considered the granite cot –a master piece of art and craft of the sculptor –as the sanctum sanctorum.

wITH SO MUCH OF SIGNIFICANCE BEHIND THIS EDIFICE, UTTER NEGLECT ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNEMT LET TO ITS COLLAPSE.