Padmanabhaswamy Temple

📍Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

A magnificent temple where Lord Vishnu reclines in the eternal Anantha Shayana posture on the serpent Adishesha. It became world-famous when its vaults were found to hold treasure valued at over $20 billion.

Primary Deity

Vishnu

Location

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Best Time to Visit

October to February for pleasant weather; the twice-yearly Painkuni and Alpasi festivals feature grand processions.

Significance

The temple is one of the 108 sacred Divya Desams celebrated by the Alvar saints and a supreme centre of Vaishnava worship in the south. The reclining Padmanabha represents Vishnu in cosmic yogic sleep, sustaining the universe between cycles of creation. The immense treasure, accumulated over centuries of royal and popular devotion, testifies to the temple's sanctity and antiquity. Only Hindus are permitted entry, and a traditional dress code is observed.

About

Padmanabhaswamy is a superb blend of Kerala and Dravidian architecture, its seven-tier gopuram towering over the capital of Kerala, which takes its name (Thiru-Anantha-puram) from the reclining Lord Ananta-Padmanabha. The vast reclining deity is viewed through three separate doors, revealing the Lord, the Shiva lingam near his hand, and Brahma emerging from his navel. In 2011 the opening of the temple's underground vaults revealed an almost unimaginable hoard of gold, jewels and antiquities, making it perhaps the richest temple in the world. The Travancore royal family has served as the temple's custodians, ruling in the name of the Lord as 'Padmanabha Dasa'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which deity is worshipped at Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is primarily dedicated to Vishnu.

Where is Padmanabhaswamy Temple located?

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

What is the best time to visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

October to February for pleasant weather; the twice-yearly Painkuni and Alpasi festivals feature grand processions.

Why is Padmanabhaswamy Temple significant?

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