Parasurama’s Sacred Legacy:
Ancient legends recount that Parasurama, a revered sage from the Dvapara Yuga period, assumed an instrumental role in consecrating the Sree Padmanabhaswamy idol. He bestowed upon seven Potti families – among them Koopakkara Potti and Sreekaryathu Potti – the administration rights of this temple (‘Kshethra karyam’). Thus under Parasurama’s guidance, King Adithya Vikrama of Vanchi shouldered accountability for safeguarding what is known as ‘Paripalanam,’ The Temple. Parasurama, as detailed in the Kerala Mahatmyam within the Brahmanda Puranam, further transmitted the Tantram of the Temple to Tharananallur Namboothiripad.
Vilva Mangalathu Swamiyar’s Divine Encounter:
The sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, who resides near Ananthapuram Temple, forms another intriguing version. The sage–desiring a divine encounter with Lord Vishnu: his prayers were answered in an unexpected manner. During puja, Vishnu–disguised as a mischievous boy—defiled the idol. The enraged sage pursued the boy, discovered later to be of divine essence; yet he mysteriously vanished. In a quest for absolution, an unseen force guided him towards Ananthankadu: there he observed with his own eyes as the lad amalgamated into an iluppai tree—thus transmogrifying himself into The Anantha Sayana Moorti. Nevertheless—The deity’s massive form extended across Thiruvattar; Thiruvananthapuram and Thrippadapuram: a testament to its colossal power. The deity, at the sage’s request and overcoming obstacles such as iluppai trees, condensed into its present form. As a testament to this divine episode, The Ananthankadu Nagaraja Temple – where Swamiyar’s samadhi now houses a Krishna temple- stands strong.
Divine Interventions in the Face of Invasion:
In the year 1680 AD, Mukilan – a Muslim marauder – targeted the temple to plunder its vaults; this posed an external threat. Nonetheless, local Muslims who held loyalty towards Venad’s royals persuaded him otherwise. Later on: Padmanabhan Thampi—rival of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma—tried to loot the temple but encountered materialized divine serpents that effectively foiled his scheme. Pallichal Pillai, along with the local populace, mustered courage to stand against Thampi; their steadfast opposition played a crucial role in preserving the temple’s sanctity.
Richly detailed narratives of these legends weave a mystique-filled tapestry around the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It transcends mere worship, embodying instead historical encounters with divinity and continuous, unwavering protection: a living testament.