Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple or Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a popular temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is a prestigious Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Anantha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Thiruvananthapuram literally means “The land of Lord Anantha”.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is among the 108 holy temples of Lord Vishnu, and it is one of the wealthiest temples in the world. The temple has a long history, and its hidden treasure has piqued people from time to time.

Located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, the temple is considered as a symbol of timeless spirituality and architectural grandeur – the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This ancient shrine is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and deep rooted religious traditions of the land.

Architecture of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Located inside the East Fort of the city it is believed to be the world’s richest temple. With an architectural style that’s a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles, the history of the temple dates back to the 8th century.

The architectural marvel of the temple is a salute to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the artisans of yore and is renowned for its work in stone and bronze. The idol of the presiding deity is known for its composition which has 12008 salagramams, which were brought from Nepal. It is believed to have been taken from the banks of the River Gandaki.

The Ottakkal Mandapam (Mandapam made of a single stone slab) in front of the sanctum is a masterpiece in itself as it is made from a huge single stone block sourced from the Tirumala rock quarry. The main idol, which is 18 ft long, can be viewed through three different doors. While the head and chest are seen through the first door, the hands can be sighted through the second door and the feet through the third door.

The interiors of the temple are beautifully decorated by paintings and murals, most of which are life sized depictions of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture, Lord Ganapati, Gaja Lakshmi and Narasimha Swamy (half-lion, half man incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The flag post of the temple (Dhwaja Stamba) is covered with gold plated copper sheets and is about 80ft high.

The Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam which are halls embellished with sculptures of various Hindu deities are some of the interesting architectural features of this temple. The Navagraha Mandapa, is yet another notable feature that captures the attention of all visitors. Here the ceiling displays the navagrahas (the nine planets).

Legend about Padmanabhaswamy Temple

It is still unknown when the temple was established. But as per popular beliefs, it was established about 5000 years ago. The palm leaf records at the temple mention that sage Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam founded it. He performed rituals at Padmanabhaswamy Temple Kasaragod, also known as Ananthapura Lake Temple.

And that temple is said to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. As per the legends, Lord Vishnu appeared before sage Vilwamangalam as an orphan kid. The sage felt pity and allowed lord vishnu to stay in the temple. Lord Vishnu used to help him in the daily activities of the temple. One day, Vilwamangalam acted harshly on the kid, and then god ran away towards the forest.

But, Vilwamangalam soon realized that the boy was Lord Vishnu himself. So, he went to find him. He followed him inside a cave, which led to 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 – Adi Shesha.

The size of Lord Vishnu in this Ananthasayanam posture extended up to 8 miles, and sage Vilwamangalam requested him to condense to a smaller size. Lord shrank, but still, the sage couldn’t see him completely. Trees obstructed his view, and he could see Lord Anantha in three parts – the face, the stomach area and the feet.

The doors of Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) show the large idol in the same way as the sage saw the lord.

History of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple was built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore. It is believed as a revered holy shrine in India. The fascinating Anantha Padma Swamy Temple’s history and architecture draw thousands of worshippers and travelers to Trivandrum every month!

Followers of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Mandir believe that Lord Maha Vishnu come in disguise and saved the Travancore Kingdom from the clutches of enemies many times. Recently, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple was in the news for the discovery of hidden treasure worth billions of dollars which also underlined it as one of the best tourist attractions in Kerala.

According to ancient tradition, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is believed to have been worshipped by Chandra (Moon God) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas). Once you take a look inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, you’ll be even more awestruck by its interiors and ambiance! The temple interiors have the idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple made up of 12,008 ‘Shaligrams’ that are from Nepal, specifically from the banks of river Gandhaki.

The convenient location of Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum makes it one of the most frequented and loved holy sanctums in Kerala. It also offers visitors and pilgrims optimum space to revel in its spiritual aura, offer prayers, and explore the whole temple premises.

Attractions within Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Kerala also has a few other things of importance which one must visit Ottakkal Mandapam: It is a single stone platform in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Padmanabha. It is a twenty square feet platform built with granite, which is two-and-a-half feet thick.

You must ascend the platform to have a darshan of the lord. Ottakkal Mandapam is also used to perform Abhishekams (bathing ceremony) to Sree Padmanabhaswamy. Abhisravana Mandapam: It is a stone structure present within the temple complex.

Abhisravana Mandapam is in front of Ottakkal Mandapam, and it is used during special poojas during various festivals in the temple. Devotees also use this mandapam to meditate and pray to the lord.

Kulasekhara Mandapam: Kulasekhara Mandapam is another architectural marvel built with stone. The structure is supported by 28 pillars, each adorned with carved figures. The pillars produce distinct musical notes when you tap them. This mandapam is also known as Aayiramkaal Mandapam or Sapthaswara Mandapam.

Dhwaja Stambham: The Dhwaja Stambham is the 80 feet high flag-staff near the eastern corridor. It is made of teak wood and covered with gold foils. The top of the flag-staff has a figure of Garuda Swamy, the sacred bird used by the lord as his vehicle. The figure is in a kneeling posture.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple pond: Padmatheertham is a holy pond situated on the eastern side of the temple. It is one of the many sacred water bodies in the state and among the oldest ponds in the city. Eight of the mandapams within the temple complex are in the Padmatheertham pond.

Sreebalippura: Sreebalippura is a magnificent rectangular corridor built of stone. As per the records, 4000 artisans, 6000 labourers and 100 elephants worked tirelessly to build this stone corridor which surrounds the main shrines of the temple. It is supported by 365 and a quarter monolith pillars.

It is through Sreebalippura that the special Sreebali procession is taken through, during the Alpasi and PainKuni festivals.

Gopuram: Padmanabhaswamy Temple has nine entrances, indicating the nine orifices of the human body. And there’s a seven-storey high gopuram built on the eastern entrance. This 100-foot-high entrance tower is constructed in Pandyan style popular among the temples in South India. The 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu are depicted on this gopuram, and on the top, you’ll see seven golden domes.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Entry | Padmanabhaswamy Temple tickets

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Entry Fee There is no entry fee required for the darshan at this temple, but one has to pay a nominal fee for the special darshan inside the premises. A special darshan without ‘prasadam’ costs INR 150/-, while one with ‘prasadam’ costs INR 180/-.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple Online Darshan Booking

Temples provide both online and offline darshan booking. A rate card with type of darshan and pricing is also available on Temple official website.

Online darshan can be booked on website Book Online Darshan Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple

	Vazhipad List (വഴിപാട് വിവരം )	Rate(Rs)
	PURUSHASOOKTHARCHANA	30
	ANNADANAM – 1 Person	101
	VIDYARAJAGOPALARCHANA	30
	SWAYAMVARARCHANA	30
	Special Seva (Archana)	50
	NARAYANA SOOKTHAM	30
	SUDARSHANA ARCHANA	30
	LAKSHMINARAYANAMANTHRARCHANA	30
	SAMVADASOOKTHAM	30
	PANCHAMRUTHAM	60
	NEYPAYASAM	100
	MENITHULA PAYASAM (1UNIT)	6000
	IDICHU PIZHINJA PAYASAM	80
	OTTATHULA PAYASAM	500
	BHAGYASOOKTHAM	30
	DONATION	0
	NIRMALYAM TO USHA POOJA	4000
	NIRMALYAM TO PANTHEERADI POOJA	5000
	MENITHULA PAYASAM (1/16 UNIT)	500
	MENITHULA PAYASAM (1/2 UNIT)	3000
	NEYVILAKKU	50
	ASHTOTHARARCHANA	20
	UNNIYAPPAM	60
	KSHEERABHISHEKAM	100
	SAHASRANAMARCHANA	30
	VEDAMANTHRARCHANA	30
	SANTHANAGOPALARCHANA	30
	BHOOSOOKTHARCHANA	30
	MENITHULA PAYASAM (1/8 UNIT)	1000
	THIRUMADURAM	50
	MENITHULA PAYASAM (1/4 UNIT)	1500
	ARAVANA	100
	CHOROONU	200
	OTTAYADA	60
	KSHETRA BHADRADHA FUND	0
	SREESOOKTHARCHANA	30
	AIKYAMATHYASOOKTHAM	30
	DHANWANTHARI ARCHANA	30
	PANAKAM	30
	Gaushala Donation	5000
	VALIYA ALANKARAM	1000
	MUHUKKAPU(PADMANABHA SWAMY)	1000
	PANTHRANDU THULA PAYASAM	4500
	DONATION FOR SOLAR SYSTEM	0
	NIRMALYAM TO DEEPARADHANA	3000
	NIRMALYAM TO UCHAPOOJA (HALF DAY POOJA)	12000
	AVAL	30
	PALPAYASAM-1 LITER	200
	PALPAYASAM- 1/2 LITRE	100
	SUVARNA DARSHAN	20000
	UDAYASTAMANA POOJA	25000
	ANNADHANAM	20000

Unique things about Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy is one of the most famous Lord Vishnu temples in Kerala located in East Fort Thiruvananthapuram. An idol of Lord Vishnu is located here in the eternal sleep of Yognidra who is lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake. Only Hindu disciples are permitted inside the temple premises.

Visitors must follow a strict dress code to be allowed inside the temple. It is the richest temple in the world. Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 holy places of Lord Vishnu in India. The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is named after the holy deity worshipped in this temple. The word Thiruvananthapuram means “The land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy”.

Want to keep Padmanabhaswamy Temple idol

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress Code

Padmanabhaswamy Temple follows a strict dress code. Everyone is expected to dress in a certain and very specific way or they can be denied entry into the temple. Men and women have to dress appropriately to visit this temple. Women need to be dressed in a long ankle-length skirt, preferably a saree, to be allowed entry into Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Wearing a full-sleeved top is also an acceptable option for women who wish to visit this famous Kerala temple. Men, on the other hand, are expected to shed their shirts and enter the chaste of the chest. Churidars, pants, shorts, short or mid-length skirts, or dresses are strictly prohibited. Men can loan a Mundu there to wear over their pants, but there aren’t sarees on loan for women.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings for Darshan

Morning Darshan Timings of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

3:30 AM to 4:45 AM
6:00 AM to 7:00 AM
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Evening Darshan Timings of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

4:30 PM to 6:10 PM
6:45 PM to 7:20 PM

Padmanabhaswamy Temple timings changes during special occasions and festivals.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple wealth

Temple is considered as the richest temple in the world, with know treasure of One Trillion INR.

How to reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple

It’s very easy to reach this holy temple as it is located in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Trivandrum is well connected to all major towns and cities across the country through a wide network of flights, trains, buses, and cabs. So, it is easy to reach this holy shrine.

By Air- Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport situated to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. After reaching the airport, you can hire a local bus, private bus, taxi, or an autorickshaw to reach the destination. Trivandrum International Airport connected the city with all the major cities of the country easily.

By Train- There are many railway stations located near to Trivandrum. Major railway stations near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple includes: Trivandrum Central Railway Station: located just 1.3 KM away from the Temple. It is the nearest station to the Temple that connects the city with other major cities of the country. Varkala Railway Station: Located 42.4 km away from temple Kollam Junction: Located 67 km away from the Temple.

Distance between trivandrum central railway station to padmanabhaswamy temple

By Road- Vizhinjam Bus Station is the nearest bus stand to the temple located a mere 16 km (30-
minute ride) away.

You can hire a cab or auto rickshaw from the airport, train station, or anywhere else in the
city to reach the temple easily. Public buses run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private coaches are also available near the airport, train station, and various places in the city. You can avail of these to get around in nominal rates.

Best Time to visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Summer and monsoon months are too humid for a comfortable visit to the Padmanabhaswamy temple. Therefore, winter is considered as the best time to visit this holy temple from October to February. The temperature during winter remains cool and pleasant to spend a few hours at the temple complex and explore this popular shrine. Also, many important festivals are celebrated during those months, and you can witness the grandeur of the celebrations.

Festivals celebrated in Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple celebrates two major festivals – Pain Kuni (in March/April) and Alpasi (in October/November). Special celebrations also take place during other festivals of regional and national importance.

Alpasi Utsavam: Alpasi Utsavam is the popular festival celebrated for 10-days held in the Malayalam month Thulam. It falls during the month October/November. The Alpasi festival marks the beginning, with a flag hoisting ceremony (Kodiyettu) at Sree Padmanabha Swamy’s and Sree Krishnaswamy’s flag poles. Among the other functions that follow are Mannuneeru Koral, Mula Pooja and Kalasam.

Painkuji Utsavam: Painkuni festival is similar to Alpasi. But for Alpasi Utsavam, the emphasis is on the last day, the day of the Aarat procession, which is under Thiruvonam asterism. Painkuni also is a 10-day festival, which is celebrated during the Malayalam month Meenam, which falls in March/April. Massive figures of the Pandavas are erected at the eastern entrance during the festival.

Thiruvonam: Thiruvonam is another major festival celebrated at Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The day is regarded as the birthday of Lord Padmanabha. And on this day, as per the century-old tradition, six pairs of wooden bows are offered to the deities.

Chingam 1st: Chingam is the first month of the Malayalam calendar, and the first day of the month is celebrated as the Malayalam New Year Day. Many devotees come to the temple on this day.

Some of the other main festival celebrated at shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple includes Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ashtami Rohini,Navratri, Mahashivratri and Ram Navmi.

Vinayaka Chathurthi: This festival, also known as Ganesha Chathurthi, is celebrated in the Malayalam month Chingam. Offerings are made to the Ganesha idol in the temple complex and deeparadhana (aarti ceremony) is conducted during the worship.

Ashtami Rohini: Also known as Krishna Janmashtami, the day is regarded as the birthday of Sree Krishna Swamy. Ashtami Rohini also falls in the Malayalam month Chingam.

Navarathri : Navarathri is a 9-day festival celebrated in September/October.

Maha Shivarathri: Maha Shivarathri, is a festival celebrated in the honour of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated in February or March. On this day, a special abhishekam of the Lord is performed
in the temple.
Rama Navami: The birthday of Lord Rama is celebrated on Rama Navami. The festival is celebrated in March- April and special poojas are performed in his honour.

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Frequently Asked Questions