The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is considered one of the wealthiest shrines globally, holding six vaults filled with a vast amount of valuable items like precious stones, gold, and silver. The exact value of these treasures remains unknown. The temple has a mysterious and ancient history, leading to various stories about its valuable collection. Even with one vault still sealed, the temple remains a popular destination for visitors due to its reputation as the abode of Lord Padmanabha.
Believed to have originated in the eighth century, the temple is part of the 108 Vishnu temples in India. The main deity is in the Ananthashayana posture, reclining on Adisesha, the serpent god.
Historical background and Architectural splendor
Once, there was a man named Divakar Muni who worshiped Lord Vishnu every day. One day, a playful boy joined him, but Divakar got angry when the boy mischievously played with sacred items. The boy revealed he was Lord Vishnu and asked Divakar to meet him at Ananthankaadu.
In Ananthankaadu, Divakar saw the boy turn into a big idol. The idol’s head was at Thiruvallam, three miles east, and its feet at Trippapur, five miles north. Divakar prayed for a vision he could understand, and the idol shrank to 18 feet. To honor this, people still offer raw mangoes in a coconut shell at the temple.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, India, has a special style of architecture mixing Dravidian and Kerala designs. Here are some key features:
- Entrance Tower (Gopuram): The temple has a huge seven-tiered tower at the entrance with detailed carvings. It’s the main way in.
- Halls (Mandapams): Inside, there are many halls with beautifully carved pillars.
- Dravidian Style: The main part of the temple follows Dravidian architecture, seen in its pyramid-shaped tower (vimana) over the main deity’s sanctum, called Ananthasayanam Vilakoli.
- Sanctum Sanctorum (Sree Kovil): This is where the main deity, Lord Padmanabhaswamy, lies on the serpent Anantha in a yogic sleep posture. The sanctum is made of stone and is a great example of Dravidian architecture.
- Carved Mandapams: There’s a special mandapam with carvings depicting stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Navaratri Hall: This hall is for the Navaratri festival and has beautiful woodwork.
- Corridors and Pillared Halls: The temple has big corridors and halls with detailed carvings, providing a calm space for rituals.
- Outer Walls: Outside, the walls are decorated with sculptures showing stories from Hindu mythology and folklore.
- Sculptures and Artwork: The temple is famous for its stunning sculptures and artwork, telling tales from Hindu scriptures.
- Tank and Other Structures: The temple area includes a large tank called Padma Theertham and smaller shrines and structures.
Religious Significance
The temple, renowned for its religious and spiritual significance, holds a special place as one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu in the Vaishnavite tradition. Devotees worldwide visit to seek the blessings of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, portrayed in a reclining posture on the serpent Ananta, symbolizing the cosmic ocean of eternity. This sacred site is integral to Hindu worship and rituals, deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of Kerala.
Festival and Celebrations
The Painkuni Festival at Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple starts with the kodiyettu, hoisting the ceremonial flag in March/April. The ten-day celebration features fiberglass figures of the Pandavas at the temple’s eastern entrance, symbolically pleasing Indra, the Rain God. The festival includes daily rituals, climaxing on the ninth day with the royal family’s palli vetta near Vettakorumakan Temple. It concludes with a grand aarattu procession to Shanghumugham Beach on the tenth day, where the idols are ritually immersed in the sea. The Royal Family of Travancore, led by the king, escorts the deities, adding a regal touch to the festival’s vibrant finale.
Visitor information
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum Entry Fee:
150 per person for Special Darshan
180 per person for Special Darshan with Prashad
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum Address: W Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695023, India
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Timings in Morning:
3:15 am to 4:15 am
6:30 am to 7:00 am
8.30 am to 10:00 am
10:30 am to 11:10 am
11:45 am to 12:00 pm
Evening Darshan Timings of Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple:
5:00 pm to 6:15 pm
6:45 pm to 7:20 pm
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Surroundings area and attractions
Thiruvananthapuram, where the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located, offers a rich cultural and historical experience with various attractions and scenic surroundings. Here are some notable places around the area:
- Napier Museum: A beautiful Indo-Saracenic structure built in the 19th century, showcasing a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts.
- Kuthira Malika (Puthen Malika) Palace: A palace built by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore, known for its architectural beauty and the collection of horse artifacts.
- Kovalam Beach: Just a short drive from the city, Kovalam is famous for its pristine beaches, lighthouse, and vibrant local markets.
- Shanghumukham Beach: A serene beach where you can witness the iconic sculpture of a mermaid, the Matsya Kanyaka.
- Kanakakunnu Palace: An enchanting palace and park complex with beautiful gardens and a venue for cultural events and exhibitions.
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Known for the annual Pongala festival, it’s one of the prominent temples dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy.
- Ponmudi: A picturesque hill station with lush greenery, trekking trails, and panoramic views.
- Vellayani Lake: A serene freshwater lake surrounded by greenery, offering boat rides and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Thiruvallam Backwaters: A peaceful backwater area, ideal for boat rides and experiencing the serene beauty of Kerala.