Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings, Photos, Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple History, Entry Fee. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress code. How to Reach trivandrum temple, Kerala.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Stunning Features and Activities to Find in Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum
India is a great land of opportunities and wonders. Established through different states, the country holds a unique history. Each state offers incredible sceneries from magnificent temples, great rivers, special deities, mountains, and vast lands. It’s a land beyond tourist expression, peaceful and open to everyone.
Kerala, India, an amazing state famous for its beautiful temples and shrines, is the proud host of the Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The fascinating Hindu temple is among the top temples with a rich history and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Ananta). Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, which means the city of Ananta and is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Sree Padmanabhaswamy counts as one of the 108 Divya Desams temples. Lord Vishnu’s idol is set to recline to the hooded image of the serpent Anantha. Devotees visit from diverse areas.
Architecture Style
The temple structure is pretty diverse and unique. The glorious temple takes the amalgam of the Kerala style and the Dravidian architectural style. The entrance gate has a 100m tall gopuram and an 18-foot statue of the main deity. The idol is structured in the lying position of Adi Shesha (Ananthasayanam posture). The temple architecture is more of the 16th century, with high build walls going by the Ananthapura traditions. Padmanabhaswamy temple is a look alike of the Perumal temple in Tamil Nadu Thirruvattar.
Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple History
Padmanabhaswamy Temple establishment history
Padmanabhaswamy temple has no specific establishment timeline. The temple is 500+ years showing Divakara muni (Vishnu Bhaktha) Vilwamangalam Swamiyar as the sole founder. It’s believed he performed different rituals at the Kasaragod temple, which is called Ananthapura Lake Temple. Devotees call the temple the original seat of Anantha.
History
The temple’s history is deep, featuring Lord Vishnu as an orphan child. It’s believed he first appeared to sage Vilwamangalam, who took him in to live at the temple. Lord Vishnu worked on different chores around the temple. However, as days went by, one particular day, Vilwamangalam was harsh, and Lord Vishnu ran and hid in the forest.
Vilwamangalam was sorry after realizing the boy was a significant being. He searched for Lord Vishnu, hiding in a Cave (Thiruvananthapuram). Lord Vishnu sneaked and hid in the Mahua tree. However, the tree fell, presenting the shape of Lord Vishnu lying on the hooded Adi Shesha (serpent). The image was long, extending to 8 miles, but sage Vilwamangalam requested Lord Vishnu to shrink to a reasonable size.
With the request, Lord Vishnu shrank, though the sage couldn’t see him due to the tree. He only saw Lord Anantha’s (Vishnu) face, stomach and feet. The temple is designed with the same idol and body parts visible to Vilwamangalam.
Trivandrum Padmanabhaswamy Temple Construction History
With no set construction timeline, Padmanabhaswamy temple estimation dates back to the 9th century. The temple has received several repairs, with the first recorded in the 15th century (sanctorum roof). The Ottakkal Mandapam was also constructed, but in the 17th century, full renovations were done. King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma was responsible for all renovations, giving the temple a new, outstanding look. During the new constriction, major items were replaced, such as:
- Sanctum Sanctorum
- Idol was replaced with a new statue which contained 12,008 Shaligram stones, some special herbs (Katu-Sharkara)
- New corridor, gate, and flagstaff
The statue’s construction was complete by 1739. The pillar outdoor hall (Karthika Mandapam) was established in 1758 by King Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. Later, in 1820, during Queen Gowri Parvathi Bayi’s reign, the Anantha Shyana Mural was established.
In 1936, in the reign of Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma, the temple entry (Kshethra Praveshan) was constructed to allow devotees to caste and creed at the Padmanabhaswamy temple. Labelled the most beautiful and wealthiest temples in Kerala and India, Padmanabhaswamy is built with stone and bronze, giving a nice blend.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Secure Vaults
The temple authorities store up wealth in special vaults in the temple. The wealth counts to thousands of crores, making Padmanabhaswamy the wealthiest temple in India. Some vaults are open to the public for various rituals (C and F). However, other vaults are open under strict orders from the Supreme Court.
- Vault A
The vault contains wooden boxes with gold coins and precious stones.
- Golden headsets
- Necklaces
- Lamps
- Vault B
It’s believed the vault has biscuits of gold and silver, jewelry, and incredible bells. However, no one is sure as the vault hasn’t been opened. The vault has secret doors which lead to mysterious beings. Lord Vishnu
- Vault C
The temple authorities store equipment for special ceremonies:
- Gold jewelry for the deity
- Gold mace
- Gold coconut shells
- Ceremonies umbrella
- Golden serpent hoods
Vault D
The section holds all ornaments used to decorate Garudavahana in various festivals.
- Vault E
The vault is used to store religious items such as deeparadhana plates and other Pooja items.
- Vault F
Vault F has Pooja items and the three idols of Lord Padmanabha.
Vault G and H
The two vaults are designed for offerings and donations at the temple.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings
The temple is always open very early to allow preparation for various Poojas and festivals. Devotees can access the Padmanabhaswamy temple from the following hours:
Opening hours and closing hours (morning)
- 03:15 am to 04:15 am
- 06:30 am to 07:00 am
- 08:30 am to 10:00 am
- 11:45 am to 12:00 pm
Evening Hours
- 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm
- 6:45 pm to 7:20 pm
| Date | Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
| Tuesday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
| Wednesday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
| Thursday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
| Friday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
| Saturday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
| Sunday | Morning 03:15 AM – 12:00 PM Evening 05:00 PM – 7:20 PM |
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress code
Pilgrims are expected to dress decently as directed by the temple authorities. Women, men, and children should dress in the following attires:
- Women
Women need to dress with the saree/dhoti/pavada with a blouse. They can also wear a T-shirt (long or short) with a lehenga. It’s possible to wrap the dhoti over the jeans/salwar suits.
- Men and Boys
The men and young boys are expected to wear the same attire. Men pilgrims should have Mundu/dhoti, which is worn on the lower half body.
Trivandrum Temple Fee and Pooja Charges
Devotees don’t have to worry about temple entry charges. Padmanabhaswamy temple offers free entry. However, pilgrims wishing to have a special Darshan must book a ticket.
Special Darshan Charges
- VIP Darshan Rs 150 or 180, including Prasad.
- Darshan for two Rs. 250 include Pooja Thali
- Kids entry fee – free
Pooja fee
- For the Nirmalyam to Deeparadhana, which starts from 3:30 am to 4:45 am, the Pooja goes for Rs. 3000
- Nirmalyam to Usha Pooja (3:30 am to 5:30)- Rs.4000/-
- Nirmalyam to Pantheeradi Pooja (3:30am to 6:00 am)- Rs. 5000/-
- Half-day Nirmalyam to Ucha – Rs. 12,000/-
At specific fees, the temple offers multiple Poojas like Aravana, Payasam, and Unniyappam. All Poojas are directed to the temple deities at a specified time.
Important Details
Devotees must check the following details inside and outside the Padmanabhaswamy temple.
- The temple allows only Hindu devotees.
- Ensure to keep time as indicated.
- Pilgrims should get the Darshan before opening timings
- Parents should monitor their children.
- All devotees should be well dressed.
- No photos within the temple complex.
- Devotees need to store their items in the locker room.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Photos
Types of Festivals in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
There are two main festivals:
- Painkul (March/April)
- Alpasi (October/November)
Other Festivals in Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
- Alpasi Utsavam
The festival is celebrated within ten days in the Malayalam month of Thulam. Alpasi Utsavam comes in the months of October and November. Devotees start by hoisting the flag ceremony, referred to as Kodiyettu, at the temple and Sree Krishnaswamy flag poles.
- Mannuneeru Koral
- Mula Pooja
- Kalasam
The Poojas are conducted along the Alpasi festivals, which happen twice daily (evening and night). The priests will carry the deity’s vehicle on their shoulders through the temple. There were six different vehicles during the processions.
- Simhasana (day 1)
- Anantha serpent (day 2)
- Kamala (day 3)
- Pallakku (day 4 and 7)
- Indra (day 6)
- Garuda (rest of four days)
The vehicles are well-decorated with beautiful flowers. In the royal family, the eldest males have a great role to play in the 10-day festival. They have duties to escort the deities with swords.
- PainKuni Utsavam
The ceremony is performed on the first day of flag hoisting under the Rohini Asterism. The Painkuni festival lasts 10 days and is celebrated in March and April.
- Thiruvonam
The festival is considered Lord Padmanabha’s birthday. Devotees and priests offer six wooden Onavillu to the deity.
- Chingam 1st
This is the first month of the Malayalam calendar; it’s taken as New Year’s Day.
- Vinayaka Chathurthi (Ganesha Chathurthi)
The festival is celebrated in Malayalam in Chingam. During the ritual, offerings are offered to the Ganesha idol.
- Ashtami Rohini (Krishna Janmashtami)
This day is considered Shree Krishna Swamy’s birthday. Devotees also conduct beautiful decorations on the temple.
- Navarathi Pooja
This is a 9-day festival undertaken in the month of September-October. In this period, Goddess Saraswathi was brought out of the Padmanabhapuram palace to receive worship with other deities.
- Maha Shivarathri
The Maha Shivarathri celebration is done in honor of Lord Shiva in the month of February to March. Priest performs special Abhishekam at the temple.
- Rama Navami
The festival happens in March/April to celebrate the birthday of Lord Rama.
- Niraputhari
Pilgrims bring grain sheaves, where the priest conducts rituals. The sheaves are offered to the Sree Padmanabha Swamy and the rest to the Ottakkal Mandapam and other shrines within the temple.
- Murajapam
The festival takes 56 days, and Vedic scholars from India visit to chant Veda Mantras in eight rounds. Every round is seven days long. The rounds are done in sacred procession. Temple priests carry the Muraseeveli idol. Murajapam festivals happen once every six years.
- Lakshadeepam
The Lakshadeepam is the festival that ends the 56-day Murajapam celebrations. The temple is decorated with many oil lamps. Millions of devotees visit to witness and celebrate the ending procession.
How to Reach to Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram
The temple location is easy to access, considering Padmanabhaswamy temple is situated in the Kerala capital. There are numerous facilities to help reach the temple as follows:
- By rail
The Trivandrum Central railway is 2km from the temple. There are multiple connections that devotees can take from the railway, such as buses or Taxis.
- Road
Trivandrum has a reliable transport network, making it easy to find public and private transport. Pilgrims can utilize the buses where the bus station is only 2 km from Padmanabhaswamy temple.
- Air
Trivandrum International Airport serves as a connector to various places in Kerala and beyond. It’s 4km from the temple, where users can request a cab or public transport.
Also read Guruvayur Temple Online Booking Darshan Registration 2024 Process
FAQs
- How much is Padmanabhaswamy Darshan?
The Lord Darshan is free for all devotees. However, special Darshan has a set fee of Rs. 150 to 180.
- Can foreigners visit the temple?
The temple is open to Hindu devotees only.