Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Overview

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located inside of The East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram in the capital city of Kerela. The mesmerizing temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of ancient architecture. It is the world’s richest Hindu Temple. The History of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple goes back to the 8th century. It is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India. Divya Desams are the holiest temples of Lord Vishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil saints. 

History Of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The fusion of the Kerala style and the Dravidian (Kovil) style can be found in many nearby temples. One essential thing about this type of ancient design is its high walls. The main sculpture of the god of the temple is an 18-feet-long idol. The astonishing construction of this beautiful temple is done with precision in stone and bronze with beautiful murals and paintings making these walls beautiful. The broad corridor of the temple extends from the eastern side and have 365 and one-quarter of granite stone pillars marvelously carved with ornate designs.

In the temple, Sri Padmanabha seated gloriously on the serpent Anantha, which has five hoods facing inwards forming an umbrella over the God's head, signifying contemplation. 

This is known as the 'Anantha-Sayanam' posture, the posture of eternal sleep, on the serpent. The idol rests its right hand over a Shiva Lingam while surrounded by the great goddesses - Sridevi; the Goddess of Prosperity; The Goddess of Earth. Lord Brahma emerges from the idol's naval on a lotus.

The capital of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram takes its name from the God of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, who is also known as Anantha (one who reclines on the Serpent Anantha). The word 'Thiruvananthapuram' means - the Land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. 

Interesting Facts About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• The beautiful ancient architecture of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a blend of the Dravidian and the indigenous Kerala styles.
• The Royal crown of ‘ruler’ of Travancore lies in this temple. Vishnu was ‘crowned’ as the Emperor of Travancore in the 18th century and members of the royal family rule as regents on his behalf. 
• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple plays host to many festivals like the Laksha Deepam festival, Thulam and Meenam, and Thiruvonam.
• The presiding deity of Lord Vishnu at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is made of fossilized shells.
• It is the richest Hindu Temple in the world.

Accommodation Near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• Rangamaalika
• Classic Sarovar Portico
• Hotel Prathiba Heritage
• Hotel Horizon, Thampanoor
• The Travel Planners
• Hotel Chaithram (KTDC)

Dress code to be followed at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple 

• Only people who belong to the Hindu religion are permitted inside the temple.
• There is a strict dress code that needs to be followed while entering the temple Sree Padmanabhaswamy. Men need to wear a dhoti (worn around the waist and going down up to the heels) and should not wear shirts or shorts of any kind.
• Women need to wear a sari, set-mundu, skirt and blouse, or half sari.
• Dhotis are available for rent at the entrance of temple only. These days temple authorities allow wearing of dhotis over pants, churidar or shorts to avoid inconvenience to the devotees.

Restaurants Near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• Venkadesa Bhavan
• Vrindavanam Restaurant
• Gauri Shankar Hotel
• Hotel Sri Aiswariya
• Sri Udupi Hotel And Lodge
• Swaad Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
• Highrange Food Restaurant

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