About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Opening Hours: 3:30 am - 4:45 am, 6:30–7 am, 8:30–10 am, 10:30–11:15 am, 12–12:20 pm, 4:30–6:10 pm, 6:45–7:15 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Thursday, 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours approximately
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station,1 km away.
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 4 km away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Trivandrum Bus Stand, 2 km away.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Dating back to the 8th century, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, holding great significance in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The temple's presiding deity is depicted in the Anantha Shayana posture, reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta, making it a rare and iconic representation of Lord Vishnu. A must-visit among all the places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram, it is a spiritual landmark and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The temple blends Kerala and Dravidian architecture, known for its intricate bronze and stonework. It features the Ottakkal Mandapam, a pillared hall carved from a single stone slab, and a 100-foot high, 7-tier gopuram in the Pandyan style. Beside it lies Padma Theertham, a sacred tank meaning lotus spring. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to Narasimha, Parthasarathi, Ganesha, Rama, and Sastha.
It is renowned for its immense wealth and hidden treasures and remains under the Travancore royal family. The temple hosts two major annual festivals, Painkuni Utsavam (March-April) and Alpashi Utsavam (October-November), both celebrated with elaborate rituals and grand processions. Additionally, the temple's walls are adorned with exquisite paintings and murals depicting the rich mythology and history of Lord Vishnu.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Highlights
• Immerse yourself into the peace and serenity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Explore the beautiful architecture of the temple which is an interesting blend of Kerala and Dravidian architecture.
• Enjoy the grand Painkuni and Alpashi Utsavam, featuring vibrant processions, elaborate rituals, and traditional celebrations.
• Admire the vibrant culture of the temple through the various murals, paintings and the intricate carvings.
How To Reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
By road- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located around 7 km from the Thiruvananthapuram city center and can be reached in approximately 20 minutes via Kumarapuram Kannanmoola Road.
Best Time To Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Peak Season (October to February):
- Weather insights- Pleasant weather with temperatures between 18°C and 32°C.
- Things to do- Explore the temple, enjoy the Alphasi Utsav and early morning darshan.
Moderate Season (March to May):
- Weather insights- Hot and humid with temperatures between 24°C and 35°C.
- Things to do- Explore the temple, enjoy the Panguni Festival and walk around the temple.
Low Season (June to September):
- Weather insights- Heavy rainfall, potentially humid, temperatures between 23°C and 30°C.
- Things to do- Explore the temple, visit Padmatheertham, a sacred pond.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go to Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
- Deposit electronic gadgets in the locker room as they are strictly prohibited.
- Adhere to the strict dress code of the temple to respect the local culture.
- Remember to remove your footwear before entering the temple to show respect.
- Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
Attend the sacred rituals and poojas
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple conducts sacred poojas, each with deep spiritual significance. Abhishekam involves bathing the deity with holy water, milk, and auspicious substances. Archana is the recitation of 108 names of Lord Padmanabha, fostering devotion. The Udayasthamana Pooja is a full-day ritual with multiple offerings, while Palpayasam Nivedyam, a sweet milk-based dessert offering, symbolizes gratitude and blessings. These rituals enhance the temple’s divine aura, drawing devotees from far and wide.
Explore the architecture
The temple's interiors feature exquisite murals of Lord Vishnu, Ganapati, Gaja Lakshmi, and Narasimha Swamy. Its 100-foot-high gopuram is covered in gold-plated copper sheets. Key architectural highlights include the Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam, adorned with deity sculptures, and the Navagraha Mandapa, showcasing the nine planets on its ceiling. A 365-pillared corridor leads to the sanctum, while the Nataka Sala hosts Kathakali performances during the annual ten-day festival in Meenam and Thulam.
Tourism Board Alliances
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple FAQs
What is Padmanabhaswamy Temple famous for?
The temple is famous for its dedication to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in the Anantha Shayana posture. It is also renowned for the immense treasure and wealth hidden within its vaults. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it one of the most revered temples in India.
What is the dress code for Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
At Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, men are required to wear a dhoti (mundu), while women must wear a saree or similar traditional attire. Women wearing pants or churidars can drape a dhoti over their outfit for convenience.
What is the prasadam in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
At Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, devotees receive Paal Payasam, a rich rice and milk kheer. They are also offered Aravana Payasam, a sweet kheer made with red rice and jaggery. Another popular prasadam is Unniyappam, sweet fried rice and jaggery balls.
Is a mobile phone allowed in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to maintain the sanctity and security of the premises. Visitors are required to deposit their devices at designated counters before entry.
What is the curse of vault B?
Vault B of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, under the custody of the Travancore royal family, is believed to house immense treasures and is said to be protected by a mystical Naga Bandham. According to local beliefs, the vault is cursed, and opening it without the proper rituals or divine permission could bring misfortune or disaster.
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