Padmanabhaswamy Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, India, is one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in the world. It is home to the powerful and mysterious deity Lord Vishnu. Inside the temple stands a huge and richly adorned gilded image of the Lord that is said to be over 4000 years old. Many interesting facts, as well as fascinating stories, surround this amazing place of worship. In this blog, we will introduce you to the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, as well as giving you essential travel information. So, join us on a journey of discovery through this interesting and captivating temple.

Interesting Facts About Padmanabhaswamy Temple

1. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is believed to be built some 5000 years ago and is one of the oldest structures in India.

2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu.

3. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself appeared as a yogi here as Padmanabhan and installed a murti.

4. The temple has an interesting architecture with its two front towers having a statue of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva in the middle.

5. The temple also has two multi-storeyed gopurams (temple towers) which form the main entrance to the temple.

6. The temple is the wealthiest in India and is run and maintained entirely by a trust laid down by the ruler of Travancore.

7. The temple is famed for its secret chambers or secret vaults which have been locked since the 19th century and are believed to contain buried treasures and priceless artifacts.

8. The basement and walls of the temple is adorned with intricate and ornate carvings, depicting the life of Lord Vishnu.

9. Padmanabhaswamy temple is an impressive example of Dravidian architecture.

10. Entry to the temple is allowed only to Hindus and they must dress modestly as per the guidelines of the temple.

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History & Information About Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The ancient and iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped here as Padmanabha (kiṇḍan – couch). The temple is believed to have been built in 8th century while some historians trace its origin to 15th century. The current temple structure was built in the 16th century.

The temple is made of granite and has five princely sections from east to west which are called as Namaskara mandapa (Porch), Antarala (Ante area), Thaeru (enclosed space), Artha mandapa (worship hall) and Mukhamandapa (main hall). The inner sanctum of the temple is locally known as Sreekovil or Garbha Gruha, which is a small cell where idols of Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture, Devi and other deities are enshrined.

The temple is well known for its Kerala style of architecture and traditional religious rituals. The temple itself is adorned with intricate carvings, beautiful statues, ornate paintings and the vibrant colors associated with vibrant Hindu temples. It is also known for its large courtyards and beautiful gardens.

The temple is maintained and managed by a hereditary trustee, who represents the Travancore royal family and is known as “Maharaja”. This trustee has the authority to decide in cases related to rituals, gifts and offerings and to appoint priests of the temple.

Every morning, devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Padmanabha. This ritual is generally accompanied by traditional hymns and devotional songs. The temple also consists of several Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Pongal, Sivaratri, Holi and Diwali among the others. Maximum donations and offerings are given on new moon days and during the festive season.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple

1. How to Reach
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and is easily accessible by train, road and air.

By Train – The nearest railway station to the temple is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is around 4.5 km from the temple.

By Air – The nearest airport to the temple is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is around 13 km from the temple.

By Road – You can also reach the temple by bus or taxi. There are plenty of public transport available to reach the temple.

2. When to Visit
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is open from Saturday to All days of the week from 5:30 am to 10 pm, for Ankajam (dress change) and Usha Puja (morning prayer).

3. What to See
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most renowned temples of South India, and a must-visit if you are in Kerala. Inside, the temple is decorated with ornate carvings and many paintings and sculptures. Some of the main attractions at the temple include the massive 1000 pillared mandapam [hall], the shrine of Anantha Padmanabha [Vishnu as the cosmic serpent], and the shrine of Bharatha and Sathrughna [sons of Rama].

4. What to Do
Apart from visiting the temple, there are a number of activities you can do around the temple premises. You can go for a boat ride in Padmanabhapuram Lake, visit the adjacent Zoo, and explore the various shops housed in the temple complex. You can also take a stroll in the nearby government garden, or take a walk in the picturesque Shangumugham Beach.

5. Shopping
Apart from souvenirs, you can shop for some traditional items such as hand-woven and Kerala sarees, jewelry, homemade chocolates, and spices. There are many shops around the temple complex that sell these items.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Q: What is the origin of Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
A: Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in India. The temple was believed to be built in the 8th century by the ruler Tirumala-Tirupati Deva, which is why it is also known as the Tirupati temple.

Q: What are the main deities worshipped in this temple?
A: The main deity worshipped in Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Lord Vishnu, along with his consort Lakshmi. Other deities worshipped include Shiva, Ganesh, Murugan, Saraswati and many more.

Q: What is the story behind the name of the temple?
A: The temple was named after its main deity, Lord Padmanabha (a name of Lord Vishnu). It is believed that the name is derived from two words- ‘padma’ which means ‘lotus’, and ‘nabha’ which means ‘power’.

Q: What is the architecture of Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
A: The temple is constructed in Dravidian style, with its main entrance facing east. It also has seven gopuras and four gateways, along with a number of smaller shrines that provide evidence of its long history.

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