Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram,is involved in the renovation process of its temple sacred pond Padmatheertham. Padmanabha Swamy Temple holds the pride of having the oldest pond in Thiruvananthapuram. It was named as Anandh Theertham in 13th century and as Darpakulam in early days.
Darpakulam was a small pond filled with springs when it was initiated. During 18th century it was further expanded and converted into the Padmatheertham for which the exact dimensions can be found in Mathilakam records. Festivals like Murajapam and Lakshadeepam involving volunteers and devotees initiated the process of enlarging the Padmatheertham pond. Further water is supplied to the pond from Maruthankuzhi-ana (check dam) in Killi river by means of a channel known as Cochar.
It was an expertise of engineer from Cochar have done the major plan of streaming fresh water into pond for six kilometres from Maruthankuzhi-ana passed through Edapazhinji, Jagathy, Valiyasala, and Thakaraparambu to enter into the Fort from the north-east side. The Padmatheertham is constructed with stone steps, mandapam and bathing gates on all four sides. Every year during Murajapam festival the water in the pond will be drained completely to Putharikandam by means of a sluice connecting the water bodies and laid with fresh beach sand. It was designed in a way that the polluted spill from Padmatheertham was connected to patrakulam which was located in south east part and an outlet from patrakulam drains its overflow to the Thekkanakara thodu. Post the period of Independence there were major transformations in historic province in which many water bodies disappeared which resulted in the cease of water from Cochar. The twin ponds associated with Padmatheertham was filled with drainage system. But Padmatheertham pond remained untouched.
The renovation process has now started and the Padmatheertham is fully drained and now the pond gets that old look. The old sluice that connects the Padmatheertham to putharikandam can be seen on the eastern side.Broken pillar shafts with carvings, lots of dirt and mud from the beds of Padmatheertham are seen on the eastern side.
