In the heart of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala stands a symbol of timeless spirituality and architectural grandeur - the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This ancient shrine which is a tribute to Lord Padmanabhaswamy (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and deep rooted religious traditions of the land. 

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 noted 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 Gandhaki.

The Ottakkal Mandapam (Mandapam made of a single stone slab) in front of the sanctum sanctorum 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 adorned by exquisite 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). 

The broad corridor that extends from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum is a sight to behold with its 365 and one-quarter granite-stone pillars that are sculptured with exquisite carvings. Below the main entrance, on the eastern side lies the nataka sala (which literally means drama hall). During the annual ten-day festival at the temple, held during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam, the nataka sala comes alive with Kathakali (Kerala’s classical art form) performances. 

Considered to be one of the Divya Desams or 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, is depicted as reclining on Anantha, the hooded Serpent. The works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints) have mentioned the Divya Desams as the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu. 

In fact, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is named after the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, who is also known as Anantha (one who reclines on the Serpent Anantha). ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ translates to the Land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. 

It is also believed that the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located at a place considered to be one among the seven Parasurama Kshetras. There are also references to the temple in ancient texts like the Puranas, viz. the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. The holy tank that stands close to the temple is called Padma Theertham, meaning the 'lotus spring.'

It was Marthanda Varma one of the most renowned erstwhile rulers of Travancore who did major renovations to the temple which gave it its present day structure and form. It was he who introduced the Bhadra Deepam and Murajapam festivals in the temple. Every six years the Murajapam (which literally means continuous chanting of prayers) festival, is still conducted in the temple.

It was in 1750 that the kingdom of Travancore was dedicated to Lord Padmanabha by the then king Marthanda Varma. He vowed that the royal family will rule the State on behalf of the Lord and he and his descendants would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa or the Servant of Lord Padmanabha. Ever since the name of every Travancore king was preceded by the title Padmanabha Dasa. All donations offered by the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabhaswamy were known as Thripadidanam. Even today the shrine is run by a trust headed by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore.

The hallowed halls and sacred precincts of this magnificent temple have captivated devotees and visitors alike for centuries. Even today the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a testament to the rich legacy of the land. 

Worship Timings

Morning hours:
03:30 A.M. to 04:45 A.M. (Nirmalya Darshanam)
06:30 A.M. to 07:00 A.M.
08:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
10:30 A.M. to 11:10 A.M.
11:45 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

Evening hours:
04:30 P.M. to 06:15 P.M.
06:45 P.M. to 07:20 P.M.

Please note that the temple worship timings are subject to change during the festival occasion.

Dress code to be followed at the temple:
Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple.

There is a strict dress code that needs to be followed while entering the temple. Men need to wear mundu or dhoti (worn around the waist and going down up to the heels) and should not wear shirts of any kind.

Women need to wear sari, mundum neriyathum (set-mundu), skirt and blouse, or half sari.

Dhotis are available for rent at the temple entrance. Nowadays temple authorities allow wearing of dhotis over pants or churidhar to avoid inconvenience to the devotees.