Located inside the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the State of Kerala in India is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated.
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Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivnadrum is the richest temple in the world. So you can imagine how the temple structure would look. The interiors of the temple are also extremely beautiful. Along with architectural beauty, the temple offers Hindus a great spiritual experience.
The history of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple dates back to 8th century. It is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples or Divya Desams in India. Divya Desams are the holiest abodes of the Lord Vishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu, reclining on Anantha, the hooded Serpent.
The principal deity Vishnu is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adisheshan. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple as Sree Padmanabhadasa, the slave of Lord Padmanabha.
It is the richest Hindu temple in the world. In terms of assets gold and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated of more than $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults (not accounting for historical value).
The temple is near the city centre and can be accessed from Chalai Market Road through an auto. You can also take an auto from Government Central School. If you're reaching by air, after you reach Trivandrum Airport, you can travel in a local bus, auto or taxi towards East Fort (Kizhakkekotta). From East Fort, the Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple is at walking distance. If travelling by train, you can get off at the Central Railway Station in Thampanoor, Trivandrum. From there it is only 1 km towards the temple. You should take an auto towards the temple. There is no need for picking a taxi to reach the temple. You should take a taxi only if you want to travel to other places. The Bus Stand is at Thampanoor in Trivandrum and from there the temple is only 1 km away. Take an auto and you can comfortably reach the temple by paying an auto fare of about INR 15 to 20.
Worship time at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple:
Morning hours:
3:30 AM to 4:45 AM (Nirmalya Darshanam)
6:30 AM to 7:00 AM
8.30 AM to 10:00 AM
10:30 AM to 11:10 AM
11:45 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening hours:
5:00 PM to 6:15 PM
6:45 PM to 7:20 PM
Please note that the temple worship timings are subject to change during festival occasion.
You cannot carry any electronic items inside. There are facilities outside main entrance where you can deposit your belongings, clothes and shoes for nominal charges.
Dress code to be followed at the temple:
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.
There is a strict dress code that needs to be followed while entering the temple. The dress code for men is Dhoti with or without Angavastra. The dress codes for women are Saris, Dhoties or Pavadas with blouse or other coverings as appropriate to their age. Salvar sets and other modern dresses are not allowed. Young girls below 12 years may wear gowns. No other type of dress should be worn inside the temple. The men should fasten their Angavastrams around their waist.
Dhotis are available for rent at the temple entrance. Nowadays temple authorities allow wearing of dhotis over pants or churidhar to avoid inconvenience to the devotees.
Best time to visit Trivandrum is from September to May, as it is the perfect time for beach vacations. One of the most important festivals of Trivandrum is Onam, which falls during the months of August and September.
