Which Indian city derives its name from Anantha, the serpent (Adi Shesha) associated with Lord Vishnu?

Introduction / Context:

Many Indian cities have names derived from religious or mythological references. Understanding the meaning behind these names is an interesting aspect of cultural geography and is also tested in general knowledge examinations. The city commonly known as Trivandrum has an official name that directly invokes Anantha, the divine serpent on whom Lord Vishnu is believed to rest.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a city named after Anantha, the serpent of Lord Vishnu.
• The options are Trivandrum, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, and Vellore.
• Trivandrum's official name is Thiruvananthapuram.
• We assume basic knowledge of South Indian city names and their meanings.

Concept / Approach:

Thiruvananthapuram, commonly called Trivandrum, is the capital city of Kerala. Its name comes from the Malayalam phrase meaning the city of Lord Anantha. Anantha or Anantha Padmanabha refers to the reclining form of Lord Vishnu resting on the serpent Anantha or Adi Shesha. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram enshrines this form. The other cities listed have different historical and linguistic roots and are not named after Anantha.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Descriptions of Thiruvananthapuram in tourism and cultural literature often explain the origin of the name as referring to the seat of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, the presiding deity of the major temple in the city. The temple itself shows Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Anantha. The city's identity is strongly tied to this deity. In contrast, reference works on Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, and Vellore discuss different historical and linguistic backgrounds not connected to Anantha.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners may not connect Trivandrum with its longer official name and may overlook the Anantha component. Others may be unfamiliar with the meanings of South Indian city names and guess randomly. A good strategy is to remember that Thiruvananthapuram literally means the city of Lord Anantha and that this is the same place as Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala.

Final Answer:

The Indian city named after the serpent Anantha of Lord Vishnu is Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).