About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Discovering Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: History, Rituals, and Treasure

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is situated in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple, dating back to the 8th century, is one of the ancient temples in Kerala. In earlier times, Marthanda Varma, the renowned king of Travancore, undertook a significant renovation that resulted in the modern-day appearance of the temple.

Perched on a stone slab, this Temple features an 18 ft. long main idol that can be viewed through three distinct doors. Through the first door, one sees the head and chest; through the second door, the hands; and through the third door, the feet. The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Serpent, symbolising meditation. The unique composition of this idol includes 12008 saligrams brought from Nepal's Gandhaki River banks.

Within the temple are notable structural features like Bali Peeda Mandapam & Mukha Mandapam, halls adorned with intricate sculptures of various Hindu deities. Another highlight is the Navagraha Mandapa with its ceiling portraying Navagrahas (the Nine Planets). Beneath the main eastern entrance is Nataka Sala, where Kathakali performances are held during annual ten-day festivals in the Malayalam months Meenam and Thulam.

The assets and treasures of Sree Padmanabhaswamy belong to Lord Padmanabhaswamy himself but are administered by a trust led by the Royal family. Six vaults (Kallaras) containing ancient valuables remain largely unopened for many years. These treasures likely include contributions from Travancore Maharajahs via tax collection, gifts & conquered wealth, all preserved within for safekeeping.

Best time to visit: Consider visiting during Kerala's winter season from late November until February, when weather conditions are cool and pleasant with minimal rainfall.

Darshan Timings:

The Temple operates from - Morning: 3:30 AM to 12 PM. Evening: 5 PM to 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM to 7:20 PM.

NB: Only Hindu devotees are permitted to have darshan at Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Dress Code:

Traditional attire is highly recommended when visiting the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Men are required to wear a Mundu (similar to a dhoti or veshti), with or without an Angavastram. Women are permitted to wear sarees or half sarees. Modern clothing, such as jeans, shorts, or short skirts, is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.

Pathways:

By Air: Trivandrum Airport is merely 5 km away.

By Rail: Thampanoor Central Railway Station sits just 1 km from this site.

By Bus: Thampanoor Bus Stand lies only at a distance of 1 km.

Nearby Attractions:

Kovalam Beach: Located approximately 9.8 km from Padmanabhaswamy Temple, it offers swimming & sunbathing activities.

Shangumugham Beach: Known for its massive "Jalakanyaka" sculpture alongside the Children's Traffic Training Park.

Kuthira Malika Palace Museum: Also called Puthen Malika Palace Museum, near Padmanabha Swamy Temple, contains sculptures made out of white marble, among other artefacts.

Napier Museum: One of India's oldest historical museums established under Sir John Napier’s tenure as Governor General, showcasing wood carvings and antique collections that include Raja Ravi Varma paintings, and others, for visitors’ viewing pleasure.