The palace was constructed around 1601 AD by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 AD and 1609 AD.
Nataksala;
This is a relatively new building, constructed at the behest of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, who reigned in Travancore from 1829 to 1846. He was a great connoisseur of arts, especially music and dance. He himself composed music and has left a rich legacy to classical carnatic music.
The Nataksala or the hall or performance has solid granite pillars and gleaming black floor. There is a wooden enclosure, with peepholes, where the women of the royal household used to sit and watch the performance.
Kambhar when he knew that his end has come, gifted the idol of Saraswathi which he was worshiping
To a Chera King of the time. In return he wanted, the Goddess be worshiped during Navarathri every year.
This is the origin of Navarathri mandabam concert being held every year. At Padmabhapuram in Tamilnadu even after the Capital was shifted from here to Thiruvanandapuram. The environment is stated to be heavenly during concerts.
Some photos taken during my daughter’s recent visit to the place can be seen.
Palace Garden
(palace front view)Palace- another view
( Foot Path )Navarathri mandapam-Information
( Hall )Side wall Pillar
(Peeping windows )
(Top of Mandabam )Wooden Pillar at the mandabam
