Padmanabha Swamy Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kerala which is commended as the richest temple in the world. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.

Lord Maha Vishnu in the Anantha shayanam posture is the main deity of this temple. The idol of the Padmanabha Swamy temple is 18 feet long and is placed on a stone slab inside the sanctum sanctorum or the garbhagriha of the temple.

This temple is famed for housing wonderful mural paintings and stone carvings. The temple is adorned with the huge paintings of Lord Vishnu, Gaja Laxmi, Lord Ganapati and Narasimha Swamy (half-man and half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

Only Hindus are permitted inside the Padmanabha Swamy Temple and they are allowed to wear only traditional dresses while visiting the temple. It is compulsory that the women should wear skirt and blouse, or half sari/sari and the men should wear a dhoti or a mundu without a shirt.

Speciality

• Padmanabha Swamy Temple is hailed as the richest temple in the world.
• The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Maha Vishnu in the Anantha shayanam posture who is reclining on the serpent Anantha or Adisesha.
• The idol of Lord Maha Vishnu is made up of 12,000 saligrams or fossilized shells.
• The idol of the Padmanabha Swamy Temple is visible from three different doors. Through the 1st door, one can see the chest and head of the idol. Through the 2nd door, the hands and from the 3rd door, one can see the feet of the idol.
• The royal crown of Travancore has been preserved inside the Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
• The architecture of this temple is a blend of the Dravidian and the indigenous Kerala styles.
• This temple has tall seven storeyed gopuram which resembles the Tamil style of architecture.
• Padmanabha Swamy Temple hosts the Laksha Deepam Festival which involves the lighting of a hundred thousand (one lakh or Laksha) lamps inside the temple and its premises.

Things to Do

1. Visit Kuthira Malika Palace Museum:

   Kuthira Malika Palace -"Mansion of Horses," is located very near to Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a great place to hang out. White marble sculptures, paintings, mannequins of Kathakali, mirrors from Belgium and Italy, weaponry, and musical instruments are some of the exhibits of this palace museum.

2. Spend some spiritual time at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

   Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Spending some quality time in prayers at this temple is a divine experience.

3. Enjoy the activities at Kovalam Beach

   The Kovalam beach offers a lot of activities in the form of swimming, sunbathing, catamaran cruising, herbal body toning massages, and special cultural programs.

4. Marvel at the massive sculpture of "Jalakanyaka"

   The massive sculpture of "Jalakanyaka" at the Shankumugham Beach is a wonder worth watching. It is the largest mermaid sculpture on earth.

5. Check out the Napier Museum

   It is regarded as one of the oldest historical museums in India. Various wood carvings, sculptures, a collection of antique objects, coins, a rare collection of Raja Ravi Varma paintings etc are some of the exhibits of Napier Museum.

Way to Reach

 By Air - Trivandrum airport is the nearest airport to Padmanabha Swamy Temple which is just 5 Km away.

By Train : Thiruvananthapuram is well-linked to other major cities of the country via regular trains. Thampanoor Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Padmanabha Swamy Temple which is just 1 Km away.

 By Road - Regular buses are available from other major cities of the country to Thiruvananthapuram. Thampanoor Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Padmanabha Swamy Temple which is only 1 Km away.

FAQs:

What is Padmanabhaswamy Temple famous for?

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is renowned for being the richest temple in the world, housing incredible wealth in its vaults. It is also famous for its unique deity, Lord Maha Vishnu, in a rare reclining "Anantha Shayanam" posture, stunning Dravidian-Kerala architecture, and intricate mural paintings. The temple also hosts the Laksha Deepam Festival, where 100,000 lamps are lit inside and around the temple.

Who is the main deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum?

The main deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Lord Maha Vishnu, depicted in the Anantha Shayanam posture (reclining on the serpent Adisesha). This grand idol is 18 feet long and made from 12,000 saligrams (fossilized shells), representing immense religious significance.

Can non-Hindus visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

No, only Hindus are allowed to enter the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Visitors must also adhere to the strict dress code; men are required to wear a dhoti or mundu without a shirt, and women must wear a sari or skirt and blouse.

Is there any connection between Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Adikesava Perumal Temple?

Yes, Padmanabhaswamy Temple shares similarities with Adikesava Perumal Temple in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. Both temples have similar architectural features, rituals, and reclining Lord Vishnu idols, symbolizing their deep religious and historical connections.

What is the significance of the Laksha Deepam Festival at Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The Laksha Deepam Festival is a special event held every six years at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It involves the lighting of 100,000 oil lamps inside and outside the temple, creating a breathtaking sight. The festival marks the conclusion of a 56-day-long Murajapam ritual (recitation of sacred Vedic hymns).