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Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is one of the most prominent Vishnu temples in India. The city itself derives its name from the deity—Thiru Anantha Puram meaning “The City of Lord Ananta”, referring to Lord Vishnu reclining on the sacred serpent Adi Shesha. The temple is a sublime blend of Cheran and Dravidian architectural styles, known for its towering seven tier gopuram, intricate stone carvings, and gold plated sanctum structures. Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu) in the Anantha Shayana pose—reclining on the serpent—this temple is revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams in Vaishnavism. The temple is historically linked to the Travancore Royal Family, who continue to serve as the temple’s traditional custodians. The current trustee is H.H. Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the titular Maharaja of Travancore. The sanctity, heritage, architecture, and treasures discovered within the temple vaults have made it one of the most celebrated temples in the world.



Historical Significance

The origins of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple trace back to antiquity, with references found in the Puranas, Epics, and ancient palm‑leaf manuscripts.

According to traditions preserved on the official website:

  • The temple existed in the Dvapara Yuga, purified by Lord Parashurama.
  • The Ananthasayana Mahatmya, an ancient grantha, describes the temple’s glory and re‑installation of the idol in the 950th year of Kali Yuga.
  • Srimad Bhagavatam mentions that Balarama visited this shrine, bathed in the sacred tank Padmatheertham, and offered prayers.
  • Nammalwar, the 9th‑century Tamil saint, praised Lord Padmanabha in ten divine hymns.

Many scholars believe the temple has existed for more than 5,000 years, and the current structure has grown under royal patronage for centuries.

The Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kasaragod is regarded as the Moolasthanam (original seat) of Sree Padmanabha Swamy.

Temple Architecture

The temple is a magnificent showcase of Kerala Dravidian temple artistry.

Major Architectural Features

  • Seven‑tier Pandyan style gopuram (~100 feet tall)
  • Gold‑plated copper sheet coverings on sanctum walls
  • Exquisite murals, including an 18‑ft long Anantha Shayanam mural
  • Massive golden dwaja stambham (flagstaff) rising ~80 feet
  • Stone and bronze sculptures of deities including Vishnu, Narasimha, Ganapati, and Gaja Lakshmi

Key Structures Inside the Temple

  • Ottakkal Mandapam: A single‑stone platform (20 ft x 20 ft) used for Abhishekam
  • Abhisravana Mandapam: Mandapa for special rituals and festival ceremonies
  • Kulasekhara Mandapam: The Aayiramkaal Mandapam with pillar‑based musical notes
  • Navagraha Mandapam: Ceiling adorned with the Navagraha (nine planets)
  • Thekkedom & Thiruvambadi Shrines: Dedicated to Ugra Narasimha and Krishna

Gopuram & Sreebalippura

The grand gopuram and the 365.25‑pillar Sreebalippura corridor (one for each day of a solar year) testify to the architectural brilliance of Vishwakarma Sthapathis.

Padmatheertham

One of Thiruvananthapuram’s oldest and holiest water bodies, located adjacent to the temple.

Ananthasayanam Idol – A Unique Marvel

The deity is an extraordinary composite idol made through the Katu‑Sarkara Yogam technique.

  • Contains 12,008 Salagramas (sacred stones of Vishnu) sourced from the Gandaki River, Nepal.
  • Lord Vishnu is depicted reclining on Adi Shesha, with Goddess Lakshmi and Bhudevi.
  • The idol is so large that the form of the Lord can be viewed through three separate doors.

This makes the temple a Maha Kshetram, holding the potency of thousands of sacred temples combined.

Presence of Lord Shiva

The official website mentions that Lord Shiva’s presence enhances the sanctity of this Maha Vishnu temple. Shiva shrines and symbols appear in several places within the complex, highlighting the temple’s harmonious worship tradition.

Religious Activities & Daily Rituals

Temple Timings

Morning Hours

  • 03:30 AM – 04:15 AM
  • 05:15 AM – 06:15 AM
  • 08:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  • 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

Evening Hours

  • 05:00 PM – 06:30 PM
  • 07:00 PM – 07:20 PM

Daily rituals include:

  • Abhishekam
  • Usha Pooja
  • Pantheeradi Pooja
  • Deeparadhana
  • Athazha Pooja

Major Festivals Celebrated

The temple hosts several grand festivals throughout the year, including:

  • Alpasi Utsavam
  • Painkuni Utsavam
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi
  • Thiruvonam
  • Ashtami Rohini
  • Navaratri Pooja
  • Swargavathil Ekadasi
  • Valiya Ganapathi Homam
  • Kalabham
  • Sivarathri
  • Sree Rama Navami
  • Karkitaka Sreebali
  • Sree Veda Vyasa Jayanthi
  • Lakshadeepam (celebrated once every six years)
  • Murajapam (a major ritual held every six years)

Dress Code (Strictly Enforced)

  • Men: Dhoti/Mundu (no shirts or upper garments)
  • Women: Saree, Set-Mundu, Half‑Saree, Skirt & Blouse
  • Dhoti rentals are available at the temple entrance
  • Wearing dhoti over trousers is now allowed

Visitor Information

Map


Nearest Railway Station

  • Thiruvananthapuram Central – 1 km

Nearest Airport

  • Trivandrum International Airport – 6 km

Nearby Temples & Tourist Attractions

1. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

Located near East Fort, just a short walk from Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Popularly known as the “Women’s Sabarimala,” located 3–4 km away.

3. Padmanabhapuram Palace

A historic Travancore-era palace owned by the Kerala Government, located in Tamil Nadu.

Contact Information

Phone:
 0471 2450233 | 9387259877 | 0471 2464606

Email:
 mathilakamofficespst@gmail.com
eospsttvpm@gmail.com

Address:
 Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Fort,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695023, Kerala, India

Official Website:
Website:

https://spst.in/