How Do You Spell PADMANABHASWAMY?

Pronunciation: [pˈadmɐnˌabhɐswˌɒmi] (IPA)

The word "Padmanabhaswamy" is quite a mouthful. It is a Hindu temple located in Kerala, India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The spelling may seem intimidating, but it follows a clear pattern in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It is pronounced as [pʌd̪mənəbʱəswəmi], where the "d" and "b" together produce a voiced bilabial-plosive sound. The "ʱ" symbolizes a breathy voice, indicating the emphasis on the second syllable "na". So, the spelling of "Padmanabhaswamy" perfectly reflects its phonetic components.

PADMANABHASWAMY Meaning and Definition

  1. Padmanabhaswamy is a term that refers to a Hindu deity, specifically an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words - "Padmanabha," meaning "lotus-naveled," and "Swamy," which is an honorific term for a deity or a renowned person.

    Padmanabhaswamy is often associated with the temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, a southern state in India. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is regarded as one of the most sacred and ancient temples in the country. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Padmanabhaswamy, the deity with a lotus growing from his navel.

    The temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance, attracting devotees from all over the world. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu appeared in a visionary dream to the then King of Travancore and instructed him to preserve the deity's image. As a result, the idol remains hidden under a massive serpent's hood, making it inaccessible to the public eye.

    Additionally, the term Padmanabhaswamy is also used to refer to the immense treasure that was discovered in the temple's underground vaults in recent times. The treasure is considered to be one of the richest in the world, including priceless jewels, gold ornaments, and other precious artifacts.

    Overall, Padmanabhaswamy represents a revered deity, Vishnu, and symbolizes faith, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism associated with the temple and its treasures.

Etymology of PADMANABHASWAMY

The word "Padmanabhaswamy" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Padmanabha" and "Swamy".

1. Padmanabha: The word "Padmanabha" is a composite of two words - "Padma" and "Nabha". In Sanskrit, "Padma" means lotus, and "Nabha" means navel. "Padmanabha" is often translated as "the one with the lotus navel". It is a reference to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted as reclining on the sacred serpent Adishesha with a lotus emerging from his navel. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Padmanabha in the temple.

2. Swamy: The word "Swamy" is a term of respect used in many Indian languages for a male deity, guru, or spiritual leader.