Vedic conference in Kerala from Jan 2, Arif Mohammed Khan to inaugurate

Eminent scholars from different parts of country would participate in a four-day national Vedic conference to be held here from January 2.

Kerala Goverr Arif Mohammed Khan will inaugurate event, being organised as part of ongoing once-in-six year centuries old "Murajapam", an auspicious ritual of chanting Vedic mantras, at famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple here, organisers said on Monday.

Tilted "Sree Padmanabham", conference would comprise expert talks and presentation of scholarly papers on various aspects of four Vedas including its music, rhythms and recitation of Vedic mantras.

Eminent scholars such as Sulochana Devi, Raveendran, V Sishupala Panicker, K H Subhahmanian would present papers.

While Goverr Khan would inaugurate event at 'panchajanyam" hall near temple, state Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran would preside over function, a temple release said.

Vedic scholars, K M Jathavedan Namboothiri and Kuppa Ramagopala Somayaji would be presented with "Sree Padmanabha" award on January 5, concluding day, it said.

Temple tantri (head priest) Taranallur Parameswaran Namboothiripad would present award comprising a cash prize of Rs 50,001 and a statue of Lord Padmanabha, release added.

56-day-long 'Murajapam' ritual, which began on vember 21, involves ceremonial chanting of Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda by around 200 scholars from Kancheepuram, Pejawar, Sringeri, besides representatives of Yogashema and Brahmana Sabhas.

It would conclude on January 15 (Makar Sankranti) when one lakh oil lamps would be lit at temple precincts.

ancient shrine is witnessing heavy rush since beginning of ritual, initiated by 18th century Travancore king Marthanda Varma.

sprawling temple, an architectural splendour in granite, was rebuilt in its present form in 18th century by Travancore Royals, who had ruled sourn Kerala and some adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu, before integration of princely state with Indian Union in 1947.