Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an 8th century temple built with a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The temple was originally built in 6th century A.D., and later beautified further by the Kings of Travancore after 10 centuries. It is an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Tamil style (Kovil) of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. The temple was built almost as a replica of the famous Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple at Thiruvattar. 
The shrine is one of the most revered abodes of Hindu deity Maha Vishnu; reason is that the God resides in Anantha Shaiya (in supine position on the giant serpent Shesha). The temple derives it’s name from the position of Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel. (Padma-Nabha). Vishnu, the principal deity is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adisheshan. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the guardian deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple. The royal family of Travancore are Cheras and descendants of the great saint Kulashekhara Alwar. In line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple and devotees have to strictly follow the dress code. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram (Thiru-Ananantha-Puram) in Malayalam translates to "The City of Lord Ananta", referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
The deity of Sri Padmanabha is protected with, "Katusarkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix, which forms a plaster that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers and for the abhishekam, special deities are used. The platforms in front of the Vimanam and where the deity rests, are both carved out of a single massive stone. The Deity is visible through three doors. In the sanctum sanctorum are also present two consorts of Sri Vishnu, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, a rare sight.
Other than the accepted spiritual and structural aspects, The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple qualifies all following ten characteristics of a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). They are antiquity, presence of records, historical importance, origin in a forest, nearness to an ocean, location at an elevation, royal connections, mention in ancient literatures, magnificence of architecture and grandeur of festivals. 

Pre Plannng: 

• Technically speaking non-Hindu’s are not allowed inside the shrine, nevertheless signing an affidavit stating you are a believer can help you enter the shrine. However, the process to get certificates that would allow them inside can be cumbersome.  Don't let that stop you from going to the area where the temple is as it is quite unique and will be worth the effort.
• There is a strict dress code for the visitors. Men need to wear mundu or dhoti (worn around the waist and going down up to the heels) and should not wear shirts of any kind. Women need to wear sari, mundum neriyathum (set-mundu), skirt and blouse, or half sari. 
• With a recent notification, women wearing churidars or salwars are allowed to enter the premises
• No form of electronic items is allowed inside the temple.
• Photography and videography are strictly prohibited.

• Visiting Time: Morning: 3:30 am to 4:45 am, 6:30 am to 7 am, 8:20 am to 10 am, 10:30 am to 11:10 am and 11:45 am to 12 pm. Evening: 5 pm to 6:15 pm and 6:45 pm to 7:20 pm.

Stay: 

• There are many numbers of hotels in Trivandrum ranging from budget to 5-star hotels.

Things to do

• The visit inside the temple takes around 1 hour.
• Visit the main shrine, where Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha
• Perform darshan and puja, one ascending the mandapam.
• Visit other two other important shrines, Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi, for the Deities, Ugra Narasimha and Krishna Swami respectively
• Visit the Gopuram, foundation of was laid in 1566. The Pandiyan dynasty style gopuram is 100-foot, 7-tier.

How to Reach

• By Road: The distance from Thampanoor Bus stand is 1.2 kms
• By Rail: Nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central (0.08 km)
• By Air: nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.(2.27 km)
   

Other Info

• Elevation: 
• Weather: 
• Coordinates: 8°28′58″N 76°56′37″E
   

Trivia

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the richest place of worship in the world.  A conservative estimate says the value of the monumental items is close to ₹1.2 lakh crore or ₹1.2 trillion (US$17 billion). If the antique and cultural value were taken into account these assets could be worth ten times the current market price. 

Banner Image Credit: Mr. Anulal