Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Images Source - WIKI
Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Padmanabha, a reclining posture on the serpent god Anantha. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu mentioned in the Vaishnava tradition.
The temple is known for its architectural beauty, intricate carvings, and historical significance. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century CE by the kings of the Chera dynasty, and later renovated by various rulers over the centuries. The temple complex covers an area of around 16 acres and consists of several shrines, halls, and pavilions.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the famous underground vaults that were discovered in 2011. These vaults contain an enormous amount of treasure, including gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious stones. It is estimated that the total value of the treasure is worth billions of dollars, making it one of the richest temples in the world.
The temple is also known for its strict dress code and entry restrictions. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, and they must wear traditional attire, including a mundu (a type of wraparound skirt) and a dhoti (a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist). Women are required to wear a saree or a half saree with a blouse. Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple.
Overall, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a unique and fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in Hinduism, history, or architecture.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is open to visitors every day, but the timings for darshan (worship) and other activities may vary. Here are the general timings for the temple:
Morning Darshan Timings:
Afternoon Darshan Timings:
Note that these timings are subject to change on special occasions, festivals, and other events. It’s always a good idea to confirm the timings before visiting the temple, either through the temple’s official website or by contacting the authorities directly.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a vast temple complex with several halls, shrines, and pavilions. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect to see inside the temple:
The outer courtyard: The temple’s outer courtyard is called the nadapandal, which is a large open space where devotees can gather and participate in various rituals and ceremonies.
The main temple: The main temple is a tall and majestic structure that houses the sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Lord Padmanabha is placed on the serpent god Anantha. The temple is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture, with intricate carvings and murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The flagstaff: The temple’s flagstaff or dwajastambha is a tall pillar that stands in front of the main temple. It is covered in gold and is one of the most iconic features of the temple.
The inner sanctum: The inner sanctum or garbhagriha is where the idol of Lord Padmanabha is placed. The sanctum is open only during certain times of the day, and visitors can see the idol from a distance.
The underground vaults: The temple’s underground vaults, which were discovered in 2011, are a fascinating attraction that houses an enormous amount of treasure, including gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious stones.
Other shrines: There are several other shrines within the temple complex, dedicated to various deities such as Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Ayyappa.
Visitors are required to follow strict dress codes and other rules while inside the temple, and photography is strictly prohibited. The temple authorities are known for their strict adherence to traditions and customs, and visitors are expected to respect these rules while inside the temple.
Thiruvananthapuram, the city where Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located, has many tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the best tourist places near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
Kovalam Beach: Kovalam Beach is one of the most popular beaches in India and is located just 16 km away from the temple. It is known for its pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and beautiful sunsets.
Napier Museum: The Napier Museum is located just 2 km away from the temple and is one of the most famous museums in India. It has a collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, also known as the Horse Palace, is located just 2 km away from the temple. The palace has a collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.
Shanghumukham Beach: Shanghumukham Beach is located just 8 km away from the temple and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful environment.
Kanakakunnu Palace: Kanakakunnu Palace is a beautiful palace located just 2 km away from the temple. The palace is known for its beautiful architecture and lush green surroundings.
Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Vizhinjam Lighthouse is located just 18 km away from the temple and is one of the oldest lighthouses in India. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding area.
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple: Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is an ancient temple located just 10 km away from the temple. It is believed to be the only temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
These are just a few of the many tourist places that are worth visiting near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Thiruvananthapuram is a beautiful city with many attractions, and visitors can spend several days exploring its culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India is known for its architectural beauty, rich history, and legends. One of the most intriguing aspects of the temple is the vaults or chambers that are located beneath the temple. Here are some facts and secrets about the temple and its vaults:
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India, dating back to at least the 8th century.
The temple has six vaults, labeled from A to F. Vaults A and B were opened in 2011, and they contained an enormous treasure trove, including gold ornaments, precious stones, and antique weapons.
Vault B, also known as the “Kerala Treasure,” is considered to be the richest vault in the world, with an estimated value of more than one trillion rupees.
Vault A contained gold coins, rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones, and it is estimated to be worth around Rs 60,000 crore.
Vaults C to F have not been opened yet, and there are speculations about the possible treasures that they may contain.
The temple is unique in that it is one of the few temples in India where the deity is found in a reclining posture.
The temple has strict dress codes for visitors, and non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main sanctum.
The temple has a fascinating history, and it was ruled by various dynasties, including the Cheras, the Cholas, and the Travancore Royal Family.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, and it attracts thousands of devotees every year.
The best time to visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is during the winter months, from October to February. The weather during this time is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This makes it an ideal time to explore the temple and the surrounding areas.
During the summer months from March to May, the temperatures can soar up to 35°C, making it quite hot and humid, which may not be comfortable for some visitors.
The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, which can sometimes cause flooding in the area, leading to disruptions in travel and sightseeing. It is therefore advisable to avoid visiting the temple during this time.
Another important thing to note is that the temple timings and schedules may change during festivals and special occasions, so it is always a good idea to check with the temple authorities before planning your visit. Additionally, since the temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, it is best to plan your visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and long waiting times.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Here are the different modes of transportation you can use to reach the temple:
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located just 6 km away from the temple. There are regular flights from major cities in India and abroad to Thiruvananthapuram.
By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is located just 1.5 km away from the temple. There are regular trains from major cities in India to Thiruvananthapuram.
By Road: Thiruvananthapuram is well connected by road to major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. There are regular bus services and taxis available from nearby cities to Thiruvananthapuram.
Local Transport: After reaching Thiruvananthapuram, you can use local transport options like taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses to reach the temple. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by all modes of transport.
Note: The temple is located in a busy area, and parking can be a challenge, especially during peak hours. It is recommended to park at a designated parking area and walk to the temple. Additionally, the temple has strict dress codes, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow the guidelines.
Best Honeymoon Places in India,
Top Hindu Temples in India,
Top and Famous Tourist Places in India
Beautiful Beaches in India,
Famous and Very Popular Hill Stations in India,
Top 10 Best places to visit in India in April - India is a tremendous and various country with a… Read More
Water parks are recreational facilities that feature a range of water-based attractions, such as swimming pools, water slides, wave pools,… Read More
A honeymoon is a traditional vacation taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage and spend time together… Read More
Famous Places to Visit in Varanasi - Varanasi, which is also known as Benares or Kashi. Varanasi is a city… Read More
All you need to know before visiting the famous murudeshwar temple in Karnataka. - Murudeshwar Temple is a famous Hindu… Read More
Kanatal is a serene hill station situated in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Garhwal region… Read More