Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple — Attraction in Kerala

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams which are considered the sacred abodes of Vishnu in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The name of the city of 'Thiruvananthapuram' in Malayalam and Tamil translates to "The City of Ananta" (Ananta being a form of Vishnu).1] The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century gopuram.[2 Brahma Purana,8] Matsya Purana,[9] Varaha Purana,[9] Skanda Purana,[8] Padma Purana,[8] Vayu Purana, Bhagavata Purana and Mahabharata mention the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.[8] The Temple has been referred to in the (only recorded) Sangam period literature several times.[10] Many conventional historians and scholars are of the opinion that one of the names that the Temple had, "The Golden Temple", was in cognisance of the Temple being already unimaginably wealthy by that point (early Sangam period).[1110] Many extant pieces of Sangam Tamil literature and poetry as well as later works of the 9th century of Tamil poet–saints like Nammalwar refer to the temple and the city as having walls of pure gold.[13] Both the temple and the entire city are often eulogised as being made of gold and the temple as heaven.[13

The temple is one of the 108 principal Divya Desams ("Holy Abodes") in Vaishnavism according to existing Tamil hymns from the seventh and eighth centuries C.E and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha. The Divya Prabandha glorifies this shrine as being among the 13 Divya Desam in Malai Nadu (corresponding to present-day Kerala with Kanyakumari District).[15] The 8th century Tamil poet Alvar Nammalvar sang the glories of Padmanabha.

It is believed that Parasurama purified and venerated the idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy in Dvapara Yuga (almost 5100 years ago). Parasurama entrusted 'Kshethra karyam' (Administration of the Temple) with seven Potti families – Koopakkara Potti, Vanchiyoor Athiyara Potti, Kollur Athiyara Potti, Muttavila Potti, Karuva Potti, Neythasseri Potti and Sreekaryathu Potti. King Adithya Vikrama of Vanchi (Venad) was directed by Parasurama to do 'Paripalanam' (Protection) of the Temple. Parasurama gave the Tantram of the Temple to Tharananallur Namboothiripad. This legend is narrated in detail in the Kerala Mahathmyam which forms part of the Brahmanda Puranam.

Another version regarding the consecration of the principal idol of the Temple relates to the legendary sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar. Swamiyar, who resided near Ananthapuram Temple in Kasaragod District, prayed to Vishnu for his darshan or "auspicious sight". The deity is believed to have come in the guise of a little boy who was mischievous, yet charming. Due to this charm, the sage wished that the boy stay with him. Thus, the boy agreed with the condition that the boy be treated with utmost respect. If this was to be broken, the boy would immediately vanish. As a result, for a while, the sage tolerated all of the childish activities done by the child; however, one day[16] the boy defiled the idol which was kept for puja. The sage became enraged at this and chased away the boy who disappeared before him. Realising the boy was no ordinary mortal, the sage wept for forgiveness and asked for another darshan as a sign. He heard a voice say "If you want to see me come to the Anathavana (the unending forest or Ananthakadu). After a long search, when he was walking on the banks of the Laccadive Sea, he heard a pulaya lady warning her child that she would throw him in Ananthankad3] While as per some traditions the Ananthapura temple in Kumbla in Kasaragod district in Kerala is considered as the original spiritual seat of the deity ("Mulasthanam"), architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the Adikesava Perumal temple in Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.[4] It is widely considered the world's richest...

Padmanabhaswamy Temple: The Richest Temple in the World & A Gateway to Divinity

Introduction

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is not just a temple—it is a mystery, a treasure trove, and a divine experience all rolled into one. With hidden vaults containing gold worth billions, this temple holds the title of the richest temple in the world.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple’s deity lies in the Anantha Shayana (reclining) posture on the serpent Adi Shesha. What makes the darshan here unique is that you don’t see the entire idol at once—you have to witness it through three separate doors!

The Unique Darshan: Vishnu’s Majestic Form Through 3 Doors

Unlike most temples where you see the entire deity in one view, here, Lord Vishnu is visible through three doors—each showing a different divine aspect of his massive idol.

🔹 First Door: You see the face of Lord Vishnu, adorned with a golden crown and radiant features. 🔹 Second Door: You witness his belly, from where Lord Brahma is believed to have incarnated. 🔹 Third Door: You finally see his feet, which symbolize salvation and the path to moksha.

🌑 It’s Dark Inside! The sanctum is dimly lit, and you can barely see the idol, adding an air of mystery and devotion. The temple priests will guide you, but be prepared to focus deeply to capture this divine sight.

📢 Tip: If you want a clearer view, visit during daylight hours when natural light slightly brightens the sanctum.

Temple Timings (Follow Strictly!)

If you miss these slots, you’ll have to wait until the next one!

Morning Darshan:

🕰 3:30 AM – 4:45 AM

🕰 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM

🕰 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

🕰 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

🕰 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM

Evening Darshan:

🌇 4:30 PM – 6:10 PM

🌇 6:45 PM – 7:15 PM

📢 Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to clear security and dress code checks.

Dress Code: No Compromise!

The temple follows a very strict traditional dress code. If you’re not in proper attire, you will not be allowed inside—no exceptions!

👨 For Men:

Must wear a mundu (white dhoti).

No shirts or t-shirts—you can carry an angavastram (shawl).

👩 For Women:

Only sarees are allowed.

Salwar kameez, jeans, leggings, and skirts are NOT permitted.

Easy Fix: If you don’t have a saree, you can buy a dhoti inside the temple and wrap it over your clothes.

👦 For Children:

Girls under 12 can wear long skirts or traditional gowns.

🛍️ Affordable Clothing Inside: You can purchase a dhoti inside the temple premises at very low prices.

📢 Tip: Women who are not in a saree can simply wear a dhoti over their attire to meet the dress code.

Security & Storage: Leave Everything Outside!

This temple is one of the most secure religious sites in India.

🔹 Only Hindus are allowed inside. 🔹 No mobile phones, cameras, or smartwatches permitted. 🔹 Cloakroom available: You must store all personal belongings (wallets, car keys, bags, etc.). 🔹 Changing facilities: Only men have a changing area—women must come dressed in temple attire.

📢 Warning: The temple management and security personnel are extremely strict and can be rude. If you argue, you won’t get in—so just follow the rules!

Prasadam: Divine Food for Devotees

🥄 Prasadam options:

Prasadam tin – ₹100

Aval (beaten rice) and Payasam (sweet pudding)

📢 Tip: Carry cash, as digital payments may not be accepted.

The Experience: Majestic, Mysterious & Strict!

Stepping into Padmanabhaswamy Temple is like traveling back in time—it’s grand, mysterious, and deeply spiritual.

✨ The idol of Lord Vishnu is breathtaking, though hard to see in the dimly lit sanctum. ✨ The temple’s golden gopuram, intricate carvings, and sacred energy make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. ✨ The strict rules and security measures can be overwhelming, but they maintain the temple’s sanctity.

💡 Did You Know? The temple’s hidden underground vaults contain gold, jewels, and priceless treasures worth over $22 billion, making it the richest temple...

Sri Padmanabha Temple Thiruvanthapuram We had visited Sri Padmanabha Temple last week. While the details of the temple are easily available, I will mention my experience and a few tips for those who are visiting this temple. There are four gates to the entrance of the temple. We took the East Gate where the East Fort bus stand is. First of all be aware that a man has to wear mundu or a dhoti. In case you have worn pants or any other dress then that has to be removed and the mundu worn. One has to remove shirt, banian too, and need to go either with a ‘anga vastra’ or a bare body. In case you do not have a mundu, you will need to purchase one at the various counters/shops available. The cheapest is Rs 100/. The same place acts also as a cloak room to keep your pants, shirts and other belongings- at a nominal price. The dress code for women is saree. In case you have worn a salwar kameez then you can wrap the mundu around it. There is no changing room as such. Earlier, they would allow men too to wrap the mundu around the pants and the mundu was available on hire. Shirt and banian you could carry with you. I am talking about a different era! Adjacent to the temple, opposite to the pond, is a clock-“Methan Mani’. The unique feature of the clock is the presence of a bearded man on top of the dial who opens his mouth corresponding to every hour when two rams hit his cheek and forcing him to close his mouth. This action is coordinated with the hourly chimes. Whether this is still working, one needs to ask the locals.

Tip 1. Either wear a mundu and dhoti if you can, or carry if you do not want to purchase. Women can wear saree or ‘dress’. Not sure if mundu can be wrapped around any other dress like jeans . In case you want to go elsewhere from there, and you are not comfortable in dhoti or mundu wear your normal attire. There is some repair work going on and hence the timings are restricted. We were told morning darshan is from 8:30 to 10 and evening 4:30 to 6. So please check the timing before and be there well before time There is a special darshan available on payment of Rs500/ per head. Ticket counter is inside the complex. But only limited tickets are given- may be because of the repairs. We had gone on a Sunday and there was a heavy crowd, but luckily, we got the darshan. Tip 2: Avoid holidays and visit on a week day. Purchase tickets if you can. Be patient till you reach the Murthy. The donation which you give to this temple goes to the trust and not to the Government as is the case with many other temples across India. After the darshan, you can see the vaults too which is around. We tried for a local guide, but could not get a proper guide due to the demand and crowd. Tip 3. As is the case with various temples in south India, they give lunch as prasadam. Check on this and if you are there, please experience this. Tip 4. After the darshanam, there are two other places at a walking distance from the Eastern Gate of the temple. One is “Kuttiramalika” (Palace of horses) the wooden palace of Swati Thirunal Rama Verma. He built it in 1840 and stayed there but unfortunately expired within a year. The astrologers were called and they found the vastu not correct. The palace was shut down for about 100 years and was opened for public some years ago. They provide you with the guide and it may take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Also visit the museum in the same complex. You need to purchase tickets for entry. Adjacent to this Sunil’s wax museum. Please visit this too. If interested you can visit Sri Parusrama Swamy Temple, Thiruvallam, about 6 Kms from here. It’s about 1500 years old . Retain the vehicle if you are going there as you may not find a vehicle to take you back. Have a nice stay in...