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HISTORY OF LODGE ANANTHAPADMANABHA No. 280 (Up to 30.4.2007)
Meets at FREEMASONS HALL, VAZHUTHACAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM |
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| On Friday preceding the Second Saturday of every month. |
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| “Freemasonry is love and kindness at home, honesty in business, affability to friends, courtesy in society, earnestness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance towards evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another and reverence and love for God. Freemasonry is many things, but above all, Freemasonry is a way of life for the brethren on Lodge Ananathapadmanabha No.280” |
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| Freemasonry in Kerala – God’s own Country |
| Freemasonry came to Kerala well ahead of many States in India. The first Lodge in what is present day Kerala is said to have been founded in Quilon in 1806 and bore the name “Travancore Union”. The second lodge was also started at Quilon in 1822 by the name of “Hibernia & Union”. Freemasonry then apparently sprung up in the northern part of Kerala, at Cannanore, with the founding of Lodge Fortitude & Perseverance in 1813, Corinthian Lodge in 1823 and Lodge Western Star in 1863 and records indicate that these Lodges ceased in 1837, 1862 and 1904 respectively. Little is known of the two Lodges in Quilon. Thereafter Lodge Kerala was established in Kozhikode in the year 1886 which continues to this day. Lodge Minchin was consecrated in 1897 and Lodge Cochin followed in 1921, and thereafter Lodge Quilon in 1941 all under the English constitution. Scottish Masonry has also been here in Kerala in the estate town of Munnar, since 1902 and Lodge Heather continues to this day having celeberated its centenary. Another Scottish lodge, Imperial Brotherhood No.1041 was recently shifted from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram. |
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| Grand Lodge of India and its Establishment |
| India became independent in 1947 and since then there was an urge to have a Sovereign body in Freemasonry as well and was fructified with the establishment of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of India in the year 1961. This has been very well documented and Freemasons present on this historical occasion are still alive. A detailed description can be found in the article in Masonic Education – Grand Lodge of India or by following the link : http://www.masonindia.org/MInfo_8.htm |
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| Lodge Ananthapadmanabha – Genesis |
| The title word of this Lodge took its origin thus : the shortened English version “Trivandrum” was derived from the vernacular version “Thiru Anantha Puram”, the abode of the Holy Serpent Anantha on which the presiding deity of the city of Thiruvananthapuram - Sree Padmanabha reclines. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 important Vaishnavite temples in India, and a famous landmark in Trivandrum, from the mists of time. The name of the Lodge Ananthapadmanabha was coined by combining the words Anantha and Padmanabha. The consecration of Lodge ANANTHAPADMANABHA took place on 26th APRIL 1991 in Trivandrum, the Capital City of Kerala. M. W. Bro. Justice Prakash Narain, M. W. the then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India, conducted the Consecration ceremony assisted by Grand Officers in the presence of a large gathering of distinguished Masons including R. W. Bro. K. L. Reddy, R. W. the then Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India. Lodge Trivandrum No. 168 sponsored Lodge Ananthapadmanabha. |
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| FOUNDER MEMBERS |
| 1 |
W. Bro. Koyikkal Ramavarma Rajasekharan Nayar |
Founder Master |
| 2 |
W. Bro. Brig. Velu Pillai Krishnan Nair |
I. P. M. |
| 3 |
W. Bro. Narayanan Nayar Jayakrishnan Nayar |
S. W |
| 4 |
Bro. Kumara Pillai Thrivikraman Nair |
J. W. |
| 5 |
W. Bro. Velu Pillai Krishnan Nair |
Chaplain |
| 6 |
Bro. Ramachandran Sekhar |
Secretary |
| 7 |
Bro. Parameswaran Pillai Bhaskaran Nair |
Treasurer |
| 8 |
Bro. Govinda Pillai Kumaran Nair |
D of C |
| 9 |
Bro. Roger Oscar Christian |
S. D. |
| 10 |
Bro. Thrivikraman Nair Ravindran |
J. D. |
| 11 |
Bro.Madhavi Sukumaran Madhusoodanan |
B.V.S.L |
| 12 |
Bro. Ramakrishna Krishnaswamy Karayalar |
B. V. S. L. |
| 13 |
Bro. Joseph Mathew Kayyalakkakom |
Swd. Br. |
| 14 |
Bro. Rama Iyer Krishnan |
Almoner |
| 15 |
Bro. Zulfiquar Marikar |
Asst. Secretary |
| 16 |
Bro. Augustine Mathew Kayyalakkakom |
Asst. D of C. |
| 17 |
Bro. Dr. George Thomas |
Inner Guard. |
| 18 |
Bro. Padmanabhan Nair Balachandran Nair |
Stwd. |
| 19 |
Bro. Chempakasseril Gopala Gopala Panicker |
Tyler |
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| Consecrating Officers |
M.W.Bro.Justice Prakash Narain OSM M.W.
The Grand master of the Grand Lodge of India |
| R.W.Bro.K.L.Reddy R.W.the RGM of Southern India |
| R.W.Bro.K.V.Srinivasan |
| R.W.Bro.V.G.Ramamoorthy |
| R.W.Bro.V.Sarangapani |
| R.W.Bro.N.L.Duggal |
| V.W.Bro.S.Krishnan |
| W.Bro.K.Srinivasan |
| W.Bro.Justice K.V.Moidu |
| W.Bro.K.Alagiriswamy. |
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| Past Masters & Secretaries |
| Having been on the rolls of the Grand Lodge of India for 16 years the the following brethren lead the Lodge. |
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| No. |
Year |
W. Master |
Secretary |
| 1 |
1991 |
W. Bro. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar |
Bro.R. Sekhar * |
| 2 |
1992 |
W. Bro. N Jayakrishnan Nair (Up to 6/11) |
Bro. R. Krishnan |
| 3 |
1993 |
W. Bro. K. Thrivikraman Nair * |
Bro. P. Bhaskaran Nair |
| 4 |
1994 |
W. Bro. A. Mathew Kayyalakkakom * |
Bro. R. Krishnan |
| 5 |
1995 |
W. Bro. T. Ravindran |
Bro. K. G. Rajasekharan Nair |
| 6 |
1996 |
W. Bro. R. Sekhar * |
Bro. K. Augustine Augustine |
| 7 |
1997 |
W. Bro. R. Krishnan |
Bro. M. R. Sukumaran Nair |
| 8 |
1998 |
W. Bro. K. G. Rajasekharan Nair |
Bro. Dr. K. C. job |
| 9 |
1999 |
W. Bro. Augustine A. Kayyalakkakom |
Bro. S. Gnana Sekhar |
| 10 |
2000 |
W. Bro. G. Viswanathan |
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
| 11 |
2001 |
W. Bro. Dr. K. C. Job |
W. Bro. T. Ravindran |
| 12 |
2002 |
W. Bro. T. J. Babu Sebastian |
V. W. Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer |
| 13 |
2003 |
W. Bro. K. Sasi Kumar |
W. Bro. K. G. Rajasekharan Nair |
| 14 |
2004 |
W. Bro. Dr. Nandakumar Kalyan Menon |
W. Bro. K. G. Rajasekharan Nair |
| 15 |
2005 |
W. Bro. Dr. S.K.Mohan |
W. Bro. Dr. K.C.Job |
| 16 |
2006 |
W. Bro. D.S.Padmanabhan Nair |
W. Bro.T.J.Babu Sebastian |
| 17 |
2007 |
W. Bro. Dr. K.Jyothindra Kumar |
W. Bro. T.J.Babu Sebastian |
| * called to the Grand Lodge above |
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| Important Visitors To The Lodge |
| 1 |
M. W. Bro. K. L. Reddi |
| 2 |
R. W. Bro. D. Dhorairaj OSM |
| 3 |
R. W. Bro. Arun Chinthopanth OSM |
| 4 |
R. W. Bro. Dr. Balaram Biswakumar |
| 5 |
R. W. Bro. G.K.Selvarajan |
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| Recognitions |
W. Bro. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar, our Founder Master could rise in eminence to greater heights in the Craft. He was first appointed as the Asst. Regional Grand Master for Two years and then appointed as R. W. the Regional Grand Master of Southern India in 1996. He became the FIRST brother, not only of this Lodge but also of the State of Kerala to occupy this elevated post of R. W. the Regional Grand Master of Southern India. During his tenure, the Region made substantial progress in all aspects of Freemasonry. NINE Craft Lodges, ONE Royal Arch Chapter, THREE Mark Lodges and THREE RAM Lodges were consecrated. The meritorious services rendered by R. W. Bro. K. R. R. was amply rewarded by M. W. the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. K. L. Reddi by conferring him the most coveted award of the “ORDER OF SERVICE TO MASONRY” (OSM). Lodge ANANTHAPADMANABHA will ever remain proud of our Founder Master, R. W. Bro. Koyikkal Ramavarma Rajasekharan Nayar OSM.
The Grand Lodge of India as well as the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India honored many of our senior brethren. The recognitions received so far are as given below: |
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- R. W. Bro. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar, OSM, P.R.G.M, P.Dy. G. M.
- R. W. Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer, P. Dy. R.G.M., P.J.G.W.
- W. Bro. Brig. V. Krishnan Nair, P. Dy. R. G. M., P.J.G. Deacon
- W. Bro. Roger Oscar Christian, P. R.G. D of C., P.G. Tyler
- W. Bro. P. Bhaskaran Nair, P. R.G. Swd. Br.
- W. Bro. T. Ravindran, P.S.R.G. Deacon
- W. Bro. P. Sreekumar, P. A. R. G. Secretary
- W. Bro. K. G. Rajasekharan Nair, P.R.G. Std. Br.
- W. Bro. R. Krishnan, P.A. R.G. Std. Br.
- W. Bro. M. R. Sukumaran Nair, P. R. G. Marshal
- W. Bro. Augustine Mathew Kayyalakkakom, P.R.G.I.G.
- W. Bro. Dr. P. Balachandran Nair, R.G.I.G.
- W. Bro. G. Viswanathan, P.Pre .R.G.Stwd.
- W. Bro. Dr. K. C. Job, P. Vice Pre. .R.G. Stwd.
- W. Bro. Eugine Fernandez, P. Vice Pre. .R.G. Stwd
- W. Bro. K. C. Chacko, P. Vice Pre. . R.G. Stwd
- W. Bro. Augustine Augustine Kayyalakkakom, P.R.G. Stwd.
- W. Bro. T. J. Babu Sebastian, P. R, G. Tyler
- W. Bro. G. Sudhiesh Kumar, P. R, G. Tyler
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Grand Lodge of India has recognized R. W. Bro. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar, R. W, Bro. M. Ramaswamy Iyer, R. W. Bro. H. H. Marthanda Varma and W. Bro. Brig. V. Krishnan Nair by presenting them with 25 years Long term service Jewels.
Lodge Ananthapadmanabha deems it an honor to have in its roll as a subscribing member R. W. Bro. H. H. Marthanda Varma, a ‘true ornament to society’, ‘a fountain head of knowledge’ and one who has ‘not thought it derogatory to his dignity to exchange the scepter for the trowel’, has patronized our mysteries and joined our assemblies. Twenty year long term Service jewel has been presented to him.
Bro. Dr. K. Jyothindra Kumar, then Senior Deacon (2004) was adjudged the winner of M. W. the Grand Master’s Masonic Essay Competition 2004.The Rolling Trophy with its replica along with the Certificate was presented to him by M. W. the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Arun Chinthopanth, OSM at the Grand Festival Communication at Mumbai on 27th November 2004. His article entitled “Symbolism” has been widely published as paper and in Websites such as Pietre Stones and Masonicpedia. He has also presented several papers in the Acacia, Kerala Masters Lodge etc. |
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| Ritual Working Competitions |
| Rituals have always been a strong point of this Lodge, and has participated in the Ritual Working competition for several years with out fail. The Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India has awarded the following brethren with Certificates of Merits for their excellent performance in the Ritual working Competitions. |
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| 1994 |
First Stage |
Bro. Dr. K. C. Job |
Explaining the Tracing Board |
| 1995 |
First Stage |
Bro. Dr. K. C. Job |
Explaining the Tracing Board |
| 1996 |
First Stage |
W. Bro. R. Sekhar Bro.
Dr. K. C. Job |
W. Master
Explaining the Tracing Board |
| 1996 |
Second Stage |
W. Bro. R. Sekhar
Bro. R. Krishnan
Bro.M.R.Sukumaran Nair |
W. Master
S. W.
Junior Deacon |
| 1997 |
First Stage |
Bro. K. G. Rajasekharan Nair
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
S. W.
Presenting the Working Tools |
| 1998 |
First Stage |
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
Charge after Passing |
| 1999 |
First Stage |
Bro. T. J. Babu Sebastian
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
Senior Deacon
Charge after Passing |
| 2000 |
First Stage |
Bro. K. Sasi Kumar
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
Senior Deacon Explaining the Tracing Board |
| 2001 |
First Stage |
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
Charge after Initiation |
| 2002 |
First Stage |
W. Bro. T. J. Babu Sebastian
Bro. Dr. K. Jyothindra Kumar
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
W. Master
Presenting the Working Tools
Delivering Final Charge
Traditional History-Second Part |
| 2003 |
First Stage |
W. Bro. K. Sasi Kumar
Bro. D. S. Padmanabhan Nair
Bro. Dr. Oommen Aju Jacob |
W. Master
Charge After Initiation
Explanation of Tracing Board |
| 2003 |
Second Stage |
W. Bo. K. Sasi Kumar
Bro. Dr. K. Nanda Kumar
Bro.D. S. Padmanabhan Nair |
W.Master
Senior Warden
Senior Deacon |
| 2004 |
First Stage |
W.Bro.NandaKumar K.Menon Bro.Dr.Jyothindra Kumar Bro.Dr.Oommen Aju Jacob |
W.Master
Explanantion of the Tracing Board
Charge after passing |
| 2005 |
First Stage |
Bro.D.S.Padmanabhan Nair |
Charge after Initiation |
| 2006 |
First Stage |
W.Bro.D.S.Padmanabhan Nair
Bro.Dr.K.Jyothindra Kumar Bro.Dr.Oommen Aju Jacob Bro.M.R.Ranjith Karthikeyan |
W.Master
Charge after initiation
Explanation of Tracing Board
Presentation of Working Tools |
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| Lodge Ananthapadmanabha received the Lodge Pearl City Rolling Trophy for the Best Lodge in the Zone & W. Bro. K. Sasi Kumar received the Lodge Pearl City award for the Best Master in the Zone, for the Ritual Working Competition - 2003. R. W. the Regional Grand Master presented these awards during the R G L Half Yearly Meet at Salem. |
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| Banner Dedication |
| The Lodge Banner was dedicated at a glittering ceremony conducted by R. W. Bro. Dr. Balaram Biswa Kumar, R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, representative of the M. W. the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India on 9th June 2002 during the Mastership of W.Bro.T.J.Babu Sebastian. The Lodge banner with the Five hooded serpant God ‘ANANTHA’, with its coiled body of ‘Gunas’, the all powerful Lord PADMANABHA in yogic slumber inside the sanctum sanctorum of the ‘Gopura’ and the square and compasses of our Lodge outside the ‘Gopura’, all remind us that wherever we are and what ever we do, Lord ANANTHAPADMANABHA is with us and his all seeing eye observes us whilst, we continue to act in conformity with the principles of the Craft. Let us never fail to discharge our duties to HIM with fervency and zeal. Special mention must be made of the efforts of Bro.Dr.K.Jyothindra Kumar in getting the banner ready. |
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| Lodge Honor Instituted |
| A Trophy was instituted in memory of W. Bro. Kumara Pillai Thrivikraman Nair, one of our founder members, who was called to the Grand Lodge above. W. Bro. T. Ravindran son of Late W. Bro. K Thrivikraman Nair sponsored this Trophy and is intended for the best Past Master who does not hold any office, but actively and unstintingly participate in Lodge activities during the previous year. The first recipient of this Trophy was W. Bro. Brig. V. Krishnan Nair who had the honor of receiving it at the hands of R. W. Bro. Dr. Balaram Biswakumar, R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India on 23/11/02 during the Mastership of W.Bro.T.J.Babu Sebastian.. |
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| Sponsoring New Craft Lodges |
| Lodge ANANTHAPADMANABHA sponsored TWO new Craft Lodges, one at Courtalum known as Lodge Aruvi No. 293 and the other at Kanjirappally, known as Lodge Palai No. 318. M. W. Bro. Gautam Ramanlal Divan, OSM, M. W. the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India consecrated Lodge Aruvi on 14th July 1993 at Trivandrum. M. W. Bro. H. P. Mathur, OSM, M. W. the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India consecrated Lodge Palai No. 318 on 24th September 1998, also at Trivandrum. |
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| Formation of And Participation In The Thiruvananthapuram Masonic Trust |
One of the most important achievements is the formation of THIRUVANANTHAPURAM MASONIC TRUST, by the two Lodges in Trivandrum, viz; Lodge Ananthapadmanabha No. 280 & Lodge Trivandrum No. 168 in the year 1994. The primary aim of the Trust is to fulfill the long cherished wish of the brethren under GLI, for a Temple of our own at Trivandrum. A suitable land on the banks of Karamana River measuring 44 cents was purchased in the year 2000 at a cost of Rs.8, 87,175/-. Grand plans have been drawn up by senior architect and engineer members of our Masonic fraternity ie; RW.Bro.K.R.Rajasekharan Nair, R.W.Bro.M.Ramaswamy Iyer and others. M. W. Bro. Dilip Dwarakadas Udeshi, M. W. the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of India laid the foundation stone at an impressive ceremony in 2001 and the construction work is in progress.
Lodge ANANTHAPADMANABHA so far contributed Rs.821, 500/- towards Building Fund. Particular mention must be made of the munificence of our member, HH.Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma who has donated a sum of Rs.2,50,000, the highest by any mason so far. W.Bro.K.Jyothindra Kumar has contributed Rs.50,001, Bro.Soman Jacob has contributed Rs.25,000 and all brethren are to contribute and most have contributed Rs.10,000. The Lodge has permanent representation in the Trust, and Worshipful Master and Secretary are Ex-officio members. As per the Bye-laws and the contribution made this Lodge sends annually five members to the trust of which the two Wardens are nominated by a resolution of the Lodge for reasons of continuity. |
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| Other Events |
| Lodge Ananthapadmanabha along with Lodge Trivandrum hosted the Annual Investiture Meeting of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India in 1996, when our own Founder Master, R. W. Bro. K. R. Rajasekharan Nayar was invested as the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand lodge of Southern India. These two Lodges in Trivandrum also hosted the Grand Festival of the Grand Lodge of India in 1997. The RGL- Annual Meet –2004 was a grand success that was again hosted by the three Lodges in Trivandrum. L.Ananthapadmanabha has always actively co-operated in the conduct of all Masonic functions in Thiruvananthapuram. |
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| Participation In RGLl Half Yearly Meets & Grand Festivals |
| Brethren of Lodge Ananthapadmanabha have always participated in the half yearly Regional meets as well as in the annual Grand festival and in fact are events eagerly looked forward for a friendly sojourn and fellowhip. |
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| In Memorium |
| The following brethren of this Lodge were summoned to the Grand Lodge above. May their souls rest in peace. |
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- W. Bro. Kumara Pillai Thrivikraman Nair on 2nd December 1997
- W. Bro. Ramachandran Sekhar on 27th July 2000
- Bro. Ramakrishna Krishnaswamy Karayalar on 20th November 2001
- W. Bro. Augustine Mathew Kayyalakkakom on 25th September 2004
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| Funeral Services were held in Memory of W. Bro. Kumara Pillai Thrivikraman Nair on 4th January 1998, for W. Bro. Ramachandran Sekhar on 11th May 2001 and for W. Bro. Augustine Mathew Kayyalakkakom on the 14th November 2004. |
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| Founder’s Day |
| In appreciation of the role played by the Founder members it has been decided to have Founders day every 5 years as we pass by a quiquinnial mile stone. The Lodge celebrated its 15th year of inception on the 26th of April 2006 as the Founder’s Day. All the Founders who were present were honoured with mementoes given byR.W.Bro. H.H.Marthanda Varma. |
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| Launching Of A Website |
| In this era of communication, it has become necessary to have a presence in cyber space and by the initiative of the Worshipful Master.Dr.K.Jyothindra Kumar, a very nice web site, comprehensive and informative has been set up. |
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