Padmanabhaswamy Temple - पद्मनाभस्वामी मंदिर Coming Soon

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Shri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a temple of Bhagwan Vishnu located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the Indian state, Kerala. This temple is a unique example of Kerala and Dravidian architectural style. It is considered to be the richest temple in the world.

Worshiped Idol:

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (Holy Abode of Bhagwan Vishnu). Here the Bhagwan rests on the five types of serpents on Adi Shesha in an inclined posture of \"Anantha Shayan\" posture, eternal yoga. Idol of Bhagwan Vishnu, with three consecrated idols having sleeping place in the center, idol of Bhagwan Vishnu with his right hand rests on a Shiva linga while surrounded by Devi, idol of Bhagwan Brahma emerges from navel on a lotus.

The idol of the presiding deity of the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is known for its construction, which houses 1,2008 shaligrams that were brought from the banks of the Gandaki river in Nepal. The sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple is situated on a rock and the main idol which is about 18 feet tall can be seen through different doors. The head and chest can be seen from the first door while the hands can be seen from the second door and the feet through the third door.

Beauty and Architecture:

The architecture of this temple is famous for its stone and bronze carvings. Beautiful paintings and frescoes are carved in the interior of the temple. Some of these images are Bhagwan Vishnu in recumbent posture, Narasimha Swamy, Bhagwan Ganapati and Gaja Lakshmi. The flag pillar of this temple is about 80 feet high which is covered with gold coated copper sheets. The temple also has some interesting structures in the form of Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. These are large halls decorated with beautiful artifacts of various Hindu deities. Another structure that will attract your attention is the Navagraha Mandapa.

History of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

The history of Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple dates back to the 8th century. It is one of the 108 holy temples of Vishnu also known as Divya Desam of India. Divya Desam is the holiest abode of Bhagwan Vishnu which is mentioned in the manuscripts written by Tamil sages. The presiding deity of this temple is Bhagwan Vishnu who is reclining on Bhujang Sarpa Anantha.

Marthanda Varma, the famous king of Travancore, rebuilt this temple as we see it today as the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It was Marthanda Varma who initiated the Murjapam and Bhadra Deepam festivals in this temple. Murajapam, which means prayer recitation, is still performed once in six years in this temple. The literal meaning of the word Thiruvananthapuram is - the land of Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.

The Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is believed to be situated at a place which is one of the seven Parashurama Kshetras. The mention of this temple is found in Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. This temple is near the holy lake Padma Theertham i.e. 'Kamal Jal'.

Apart from the architecture and the pond, what has attracted international attention about this temple is its immense wealth, housed in six huge vaults, believed to contain billions of dollars worth of gold and precious stones. The temple is now run by a trust, which is headed by the temple.

Dress Code for Temple Darshan:
Only Hindus can enter the temple. There is a strict rule of dressing which has to be followed while entering the temple. Men have to wear dhoti and kameez. Women have to wear saree and half saree. Nowadays the temple authorities are allowing the wearing of churidars keeping in mind the convenience of the devotees.