Anantha Padmanabha Temple

The Unique Experience

What makes visiting this Trivandrum temple so unique and different than others? Well, the temple houses the Vishnu idol that is made of pure gold! Yes and not just the idol that intrigues, it’s the aura and the mystery shrouding the temple that attracts visitors to it as a moth gets attracted to a flame. The grandeur of this temple captivates your attention the moment you step inside the main entrance. It is popular attraction can include in Trivandrum tour packages.

About Anantha Padmanabha Temple

Counted as one of the most sacred places to visit in Trivandrum, this temple is the abode of Lord Padmanabha, another of Vishnu’s avatars. It’s a highly revered place for Hindu devotees as it is one of the 108 Divyadesams of Vishnu. Here, the idol of Vishnu is reclining over AdiSesha, the serpent. 

The most interesting aspect that attracts historians and visitors to it is its classic blend of Dravidian and Kerala Styled architecture. Its gopuram is massive that stands tall at 100 feet, and one peculiar thing about this Trivandrum temple is that only Hindu devotees are allowed inside. The antiquity of this temple is spellbinding and till date, no historian has been able to ascertain its actual age. 

Legend

As per legendary references made in the Puranas, Lord Balarama paid a visit to this temple and he took bath in Padmatheertham. Many believe that the temple was built more than 5000 years ago when Kal Yuga started. 

History

Counted as one of the major places to visit in Trivandrum, the temple has a rich historical past. It along with its surrounding areas was under the control of the EttuveetilPillamar Dynasty. But, when the Pillamar Dynasty was uprooted by MarthandaVarma,  the king of Travancore Empire, the temple came under the power and control of the king and his cousins. It was the king that contributed a lot to the renovations of the temple, 

More About the Place

What spellbinds you to the temple is its magnificent architectural beauty that is a blend between Dravidian and Kerala styles. The temple is built using stone and bronze and is beautified with painted walls and mural decorations. The idol of Vishnu is 18 feet in height and the 365 pillars are sculpted with intricate carvings. 
What else?

Padmanabhaswamy Temple dress code

Like all Hindu temples down South, the Padmanabha Temple too follows a strict dress code for all. While men have to wear mundu and leave their upper torso bare, the women have to wear saris or set mundu. 

Padmanabhaswamy Temple timings

The doors of this magnificent temple are opened for devotees from 3.30 AM till 2 PM, and then in the evening from 5 till 8.30 PM. 

Padmanabhaswamy Temple secrets

The temple since time immemorial has been shrouded with mystery and many secrets, one among which is related to its Vault B. This vault has never been opened till date as only a Siddha Purusha or a learned sage can open it, or so is believed by many. 

Nirmalya Darshan in Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Nirmalyadarshan is only allowed for an hour from 3.30 AM till 4.45 AM. 

How to reach

Distance in kilometers from - Kochuveli Railway Station- 9 kilometers and Vizhinjam Bus Station-16 kilometers