Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala state of India. This temple of Lord Vishnu is a unique example of Kerala and Dravidian architectural style. It is considered to be the richest temple in the world. It is one of the 108 holy temples of Vishnu which are also called Divya Desams of India. Divya Desam is the most sacred abode of Lord Vishnu which finds mention in the manuscripts written by Tamil saints. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta.
History and Architecture of Padmanabha Swamy Temple
According to legends, the temple is 5000 years old. However, the current temple complex was constructed and renovated during the 17th century. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built by King Marthanda Varma, one of the rulers of Travancore. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is believed to be located at a place which is one of the seven Parashurama Kshetras. References to this temple are found in Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. This temple is near the sacred tank Padma Theertham i.e. 'lotus water'.
Here the Lord rests on Adi Shesha on five types of serpents in the 'Ananta Shayana' posture, a reclining posture of eternal yoga. The idol of Lord Vishnu is in gold at the centre along with three Abhisheka idols, the idol of Lord Vishnu rests his right hand on a Shiva Linga while surrounding the idol are Lakshmi Devi (Goddess of Prosperity) and Bhu Devi (Goddess of Earth). And the presence of Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum enhances the sanctity of this Mahakshetra dedicated to Vishnu. The idol of Lord Brahma emerges from the navel on a lotus.
The idol of the presiding deity of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is known for its construction which consists of 1,2008 Shaligrams that were brought from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal. The sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is situated on a rock and the main idol which is about 18 feet tall can be viewed from 3 different doors. The head, chest and right hand can be seen from the first door, while Lord Brahma seated on the lotus emerging from the navel can be seen from the second door and the feet can be seen from the third door.
The architecture of this temple is famous for its stone and bronze carvings. The temple has 4 doors. The interior of the temple has beautiful paintings and murals carved on it. Some of these images are Lord Vishnu in reclining posture, Narasimha Swamy, Lord Ganapati and Gaja Lakshmi. The flag pillar of this temple is about 80 feet high which is covered with gold coated copper sheets. The temple also has some interesting structures in the form of Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. These are large halls decorated with beautiful artworks of various Hindu deities and there is Navgraha Mandapam.
Marthanda Varma, who was the famous king of Travancore, rebuilt this temple as we see it today as the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It was Marthanda Varma who started the Murajapam and Bhadra Deepam festivals in this temple. Murajapam, which means chanting of prayers, is still performed in this temple once in six years. The word Thiruvananthapuram literally means the land of Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.
Ottakkal Mandapam, Abhishravan Mandapam, Kulasekhara Mandapam, Dhwaj Sthambham, Sribalipura, Gopuram, Murals, Clock of Padmanabhaswamy Temple are some of the major attractions worth visiting in Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This temple is now run by a trust which is headed by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple Darshan Timings
The temple is open throughout the week, but the darshan timings are very limited. Morning Timings - 03:30 am to 04:45 pm (Nirmalya Darshan) 06:30 am to 07:00 am 8.30 am to 10:00 am 10:30 am to 11:10 am 11:45 am to 12:00 pm Evening Timings - 05:00 pm to 06:15 pm 06:45 pm to 07:20 pm. Please note that worship timings at the temple change during festivals.
Major Festivals of Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Alpasi Utsavam is a 10-day festival celebrated in October-November at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Penkuni Utsavam, Thiruvonam, Chingam Pratham, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Krishna Janmashtami, Shivaratri, Navaratri, Rama Navami, Lakshadeepam are the major festivals.
How to reach Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The temple is located right in the middle of the city and can be easily reached. The nearest railway station to Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is well connected to nearby cities by road. And regular buses are available from Coimbatore, Kochi, Madurai and other cities. Trivandrum International Airport connects the city to other places around the world. Direct flights are available from Indian cities like Bangalore, Delhi and Kochi.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple
❀ Prepare to reach the temple before the darshan time. They are strict about the darshan timings.
❀ Get in the queue before the darshan starts. The special VIP line may get longer as the day progresses.
❀ Keep a water bottle with you.
❀ Keep your shoes in the rack near the main entrance.
❀ Follow the Padmanabhaswamy Temple dress code rules during your visit.
❀ Only white/off-white dhoti and angavastram are allowed.
❀ Photography is prohibited in the temple premises.
❀ Handbags are allowed inside. But keep your mobile, camera and other belongings in the locker room.
Only Hindus can enter the temple. There is a strict rule of dressing that has to be followed while entering the temple. Men can wear dhoti and uttaran but cannot wear shirt. Women have to wear sarees and half sarees. Salwar is also prohibited. Dress code is applicable on small children as well. Dhoti is available on rent at the entrance of the temple. Nowadays, keeping in mind the convenience of the devotees, the temple authorities are allowing them to wear dhoti over pants or churidar.
3:30 AM - 4:45 AM
6 AM - 7 AM
8:30 AM - 10 AM
10:30 AM - 11 AM
11:45 - 12:00 PM
5 PM - 6:15 PM
6:45 PM - 7:20 PM
Follow Bhakti Bharat Whatsapp Channel »
** Please write your any type of feedback or suggestion(s) on our contact us page. Whatever you think, (+) or (-) doesn't metter!
