Indian Temples :Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala , India - Highlights

 


The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is one of the most sacred and opulent temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple enshrines the deity in the Anantha Shayana posture—reclining on the great serpent Ananta or Adi Shesha. The temple is an architectural and spiritual marvel, representing the fusion of Dravidian and Kerala temple architecture. It is also renowned worldwide for being the richest temple in the world, following the discovery of immense treasures in its underground vaults.

The temple’s name, “Padmanabha,” signifies “He who has a lotus (Padma) emerging from his navel (Nabhi)”, symbolizing creation and divine energy. It stands as the spiritual heart of Thiruvananthapuram (which literally means “City of Lord Anantha”).

History in Detail

The temple’s origins date back to ancient times, with references found in Sangam literature (500 BCE–300 CE), suggesting that Sree Padmanabhaswamy was worshipped long before the city of Thiruvananthapuram came into existence.

The present structure of the temple was built in the 16th century by the rulers of the Travancore Kingdom, particularly under the reign of Marthanda Varma (1706–1758 CE), who is credited with expanding and fortifying the temple.

In 1750, Marthanda Varma made a historic declaration known as the “Thrippadidanam”, dedicating the entire Travancore Kingdom to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, proclaiming himself and his successors as “Padmanabha Dasa” (Servants of the Lord). From then on, the temple was not only the spiritual but also the political centre of Travancore, symbolizing divine kingship and devotion.

The temple gained global attention in 2011, when a Supreme Court-ordered inventory of its secret underground vaults revealed treasures estimated to be worth billions of dollars, including gold, jewels, crowns, coins, and idols—making it the richest place of worship on earth. However, much of the treasure remains untouched and is preserved under strict security and religious sanctity.

Significance

  • Spiritual Importance: The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest abodes of Vishnu mentioned in Tamil Vaishnavite literature.
  • Royal Devotion: The Travancore royal family continues to serve as custodians of the temple, maintaining rituals as per ancient tradition.
  • Symbol of Divine Power: The reclining form of Vishnu represents the cosmic balance and eternal rest after creation.
  • Architectural Symbolism: The temple exemplifies a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Chera architectural styles, reflecting Kerala’s unique temple culture.
  • Wealth and Mystery: The discovery of its immense treasure symbolizes the abundance of faith and heritage accumulated through centuries of devotion.

Temple Details (Architecture & Features)

  • Main Deity: Lord Vishnu as Sree Padmanabhaswamy, reclining on the serpent Ananta, with Lord Brahma emerging from his navel on a lotus. The idol measures about 18 feet long and is visible through three doors—the head and upper torso through the first, the navel and lotus with Brahma through the second, and the feet through the third.
  • Architecture: Built in Dravidian style, the temple features an imposing seven-tiered gopuram (tower) rising 100 feet, decorated with intricate carvings of deities and celestial beings.
  • Golden Mandapa: The sanctum is richly adorned with gold-plated walls, stone carvings, and mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics.
  • Sacred Tank (Padma Theertham): Located in front of the temple, the tank is used for ritual bathing and is an integral part of the temple complex.
  • Corridors and Pillars: The temple’s long corridors, with 365 granite pillars, feature fine carvings and murals narrating mythological tales.
  • Vaults (Kallaras): The temple’s underground vaults, known as A to F, are said to contain gold, precious stones, and artifacts of immense historical and spiritual value.
  • Festivals:
    • Alpasi and Painkuni Festivals – Biannual 10-day festivals held with processions and rituals.
    • Laksha Deepam – Celebrated once every 6 years, when the temple and its surroundings are illuminated with one lakh oil lamps.

Timings

  • Morning: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    (Timings may vary during festivals and special occasions.)

Main Darshan and Puja Timings:

  • Nirmalya Darshanam: 3:30 AM
  • Abhishekam and Deeparadhana: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM
  • Ucha Puja: 10:00 AM
  • Deeparadhana (Evening): 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Dress Code:

  • Men: Dhoti (no shirts or upper garments)
  • Women: Saree, long skirt, or traditional attire (no western wear allowed).

Connectivity

  • By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is only 6 km away, offering connections to major Indian and international cities.
  • By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is about 1.5 km from the temple.
  • By Road: The temple is well connected by road networks; KSRTC buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are easily available from all parts of the city.

Legacy

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands as an enduring symbol of devotion, architectural splendor, and royal heritage. For centuries, it has been the spiritual nucleus of Travancore and an embodiment of Kerala’s sacred traditions.

Its blend of divinity and grandeur, combined with the timeless service of the Travancore royal family, makes it a unique institution where faith, art, and history coexist. The temple’s vast treasures and mystique only enhance its aura, yet it remains foremost a place of worship, where Lord Vishnu continues to reign supreme as the eternal protector of the land.

Today, the temple continues to attract millions of devotees and historians alike—its golden past shining as brightly as its divine present, preserving the soul of Kerala’s ancient spiritual legacy.



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