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Kerala

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

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January

20.2 - 34.6 °C

February

21.1 - 35.3 °C

March

22.2 - 35.8 °C

April

22.9 - 35.6 °C

May

22.8 - 34.9 °C

June

22.2 - 33.2 °C

July

21.9 - 32.5 °C

August

22.2 - 32.7 °C

September

22.3 - 33.3 °C

October

22.2 - 33.2 °C

November

21.8 - 33.4 °C

December

20.5 - 34.1 °C


Major Airports :

Thivandrum International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Railway Station :

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC)

Major Airports :

Thivandrum International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Divine beauty wrapped with architectural perfection

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located right in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram or “The land of Lord Anantha”. The respect, devotion, and allegiance it draws is a mark of its historical and architectural grandeur. One of the 108 holy temples of Lord Vishnu, the temple is dedicated to Lord Anantha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is considered to be one of the richest temples in the world.

The birth of this revered temple is shrouded in myth and legend. There are fables and stories about sage Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam and the mysterious appearance of Lord Vishnu as an orphaned child. But one true fable is that this temple is a treasure trove of riches. Many say that ancient artefacts, gold coins and precious stones, are stored in secret vaults within the temple complex, guarded with utmost secrecy and reverence.

But stories aside, the temple also continues to be a centre of pilgrimage and spiritual solace for millions of devotees, who come to seek the blessings of Lord Padmanabha. Its serene ambience, rich history and unparalleled Kerala and Dravidian style architecture, make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the cultural and spiritual essence of Kerala.

Turning the page back to the past

According to palm leaf records, a sage named Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam created the temple. It was during one of the ceremonies that Lord Vishnu came before him as an orphan kid. His innocence melted the sage’s heart, he took pity and sheltered him at the temple. Unfortunately, one day, the sage’s temper got the better of him, so he screamed at the child who then disappeared into the forest. When Vilwamangalam understood the boy was Lord Vishnu, he went searching for him and ended up in a cave that became present-day Thiruvananthapuram. The boy then disappeared into a mahua tree. The tree fell and took the shape of Lord Vishnu lying on the thousand-hooded serpent. The temple is believed to have been conceived in the 9th century. Years later in the 15th century, the roof was rebuilt and so was the Ottakkal Mandapam. Later in the mid-17th century, King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma ordered major renovations in the temple. The main sanctuary was rebuilt and the old idol was thrown away to make space for a new one built with 12,008 shaligram stones and various herbs, collectively called katu-sharkara. Later in the year 1750, he dedicated his kingdom to the Lord, in the Thrippadidanam ceremony. In 1758, the hall of pillars, Karthika Mandapam, was made by King Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. Finally in 1820, according to the orders of Gowri Parvathi Bayi, the large Anantha Shyana mural was drawn.

Years later in 1936 Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma announced the Kshethra Praveshan Vilambram (or Temple Entry Proclamation) which means to allow every Hindu caste and creed in the temple.

Marvelling architectural brilliance

The temple stands in all its glory of stone and bronze. It has a seven-tier high gopuram which is decorated with delicate designs and carvings. There’s a sprawling corridor that has carved stone pillars and statues of Hindu deities. Beautiful murals also adorn the walls and ceilings in various parts of the temple. You will be amazed to see that inside the shrine Sri Padmanabha rests on Adi Shesha whose head acts as an umbrella. The 3-door sanctum will give you a glimpse of the reclining 18-foot idol of Lord Padmanabha.

The secret of hidden vaults 

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is considered to be one of the richest temples in the world. It has coins, statues, ornaments and many other precious artefacts, in fact, enormous wealth kept in the many vaults inside the temple. For instance, Vault A has gold coins and sacks of precious stones staked in wooden boxes. There are necklaces, medallions, headsets, golden lotuses and even golden lamps. Vault B remains closed as people believe that opening it brings bad fortune to the temple and the people involved. Vault C has items that might be required for special ceremonies. Gold jewellery, gold mace, gold coconut shells, golden umbrellas and golden serpent hoods are kept here. Vault D is used to keep items that decorate Garudavahana during festivals in the temple. Vault E has everything that one might need for everyday pooja and Vault F also contains the same along with the 6th Vault which has three idols of Lord Padmanabha.


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Timings

Opening time - 03:15 AM to 12:00 PM

05:00 PM to 07:20 PM

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The great fable of Vault B

The myth that circles Vault B is that Narsimha is the protector of this vault. People did try to open the doors but couldn’t go past the -chamber. The untimely death of the petitioner and the death of another observer’s mother strengthened the belief in the myth. Many say a few were able to open the door but a swarm of cobras came scurrying out.

Looking for divine peace within

The main shrine inside the temple has a majestic 18-foot katu-sharkara idol of Lord Padmanabha that reclines upon the serpent Adi Shesha. Three doors offer unique perspectives: one unveils the deity's face and upper body, with a Shiva Lingam at the right hand, flanked by the Goddesses Lakshmi and Bhu Devi; another reveals Lord Brahma emerging from the navel of the deity on a lotus flower, while the third showcases the divine feet of Lord Padmanabha. There are shrines of other deities as well like Narasimha, Parthasarathi, Ganesha, Rama, and Sastha. Notably, the Thiruvambadi Sree Krishnaswamy Temple stands separately, each with its rituals and traditions.

Apart from the shrines the other mandapas also heighten the historical, spiritual, and architectural brilliance of the temple. Ottakkal Mandapam, Abhisravana Mandapam, and Kulasekhara Mandapam, each exuding spiritual significance. The towering Dhwaja Stambham, sacred Padmatheertham pond, and magnificent Sreebalippura corridor add to the temple's grandeur, while the intricate murals and the iconic Methan Mani clock tower enrich the visitor's experience, inviting them to delve deeper into the spiritual and cultural richness of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex.

The aura around the divine

Once your visit to the temple is over, you can take a stroll in the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo which offers exotic wildlife encounters. The Kanakakkunnu Palace Gardens is great for serene walks amidst verdant greenery. If you like history you can enjoy the royal artefacts at the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum or marvel at the architectural splendour of the Kerala Legislature Complex. A short distance away is the Shankumugham Beach which calls out with its golden sands and vibrant sunsets, perfect for relaxation. The nearby Napier Museum showcases a blend of art and history, complementing the temple's cultural significance. From natural wonders to historical treasures, the surroundings of Padmanabhaswamy Temple promise a captivating experience for all.