How to Reach Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a main temple in Kerala located in Trivandrum city.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is the Weathiest Hindu Temple in the World.

Hundreds of Tourists are coming to Kerala to Visit the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

So they will be looking to know How to Reach Pamanabhaswamy Temple by taking the shortest route.

Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple is near to the centre of capital of Kerala state.

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located at a place called East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.

By Air - After you Reach Trivandrum Airport , you can travel in a Local Bus, Auto or Taxi towards East Fort (Kizhakkekotta). From East Fort it is only walkable distance towards the Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple.

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 a Auto towards the temple. There is no need for picking Taxi to reach the temple. Only if you want to travel to other places, you should take taxi.

By Bus - The Bus Stand will be at Thampanoor in Trivandrum and from there the temple is only 1 km away. Take an Auto and you can comfortably reach the temple b paying an auto fare about Rs 15 to 20.

From Kovalam you can reach the Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple which will be about 20 km away. There are many KSRTC AC Low Floor Bus available from Kovalam towards East Fort. The Bus fare will just Rs. 25 to 30 per person.

This is the best trip to be taken from Kovalam and this prevents getting cheated by Taxi drivers and Auto drivers, who ask for lot of money for taking you to the temple from Kovalam.

Location of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Being its ideal location in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple can easily be reached by bus, train, and flight. The inter-state highway, National Highway 47 (NH 47) connects Thiruvananthapuram to all major cities and nearby states including Kollam, Ernakulam (Kochi), Thrissur, Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Chennai, and Bangalore.

Trivandrum Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station is a kilometer away from the temple, while Trivandrum City Bus Station at East Fort is located opposite to Lord Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Trivandrum International Airport, around 7 km from the city center, is the nearest airport.

Read more details on How to Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple here.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple can easily be accessed by road being its ideal location near the Trivandrum City Bus Station in East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. The inter-state highway, National Highway 47 (NH 47) connects Thiruvananthapuram to all major cities and nearby states including Kollam, Ernakulam (Kochi), Thrissur, Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Chennai, and Bangalore.

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station, just 1 km away from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Trivandrum Central Railway Station is one of the major railway stations in Kerala, managed by Southern Railways. Himsagar Express (Kanyakumari - Kashmir), Rajdhani Express, Howrah Express, Sabari Express (Trivandrum – Hyderabad), and Guruvayur Express (Chennai – Guruvayoor) are some of the major trains passing through Trivandrum Railway Station.

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station at East Fort is the nearest bus station to reach the temple. The City Bus Station is just a walking distance from the temple. Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station, situated opposite to the railway station, is just a kilometer away from the temple.

By Flight / Airport

Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The airport is just 7 km from the temple.

The Contact Address of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple can be seen here.

Contact Address / Location

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Mathilakom Office

East Fort

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Kerala, India

Pin Code - 695023

Contact Telephone Numbers

Phone – 0471 – 2450233; 2466830

Fax - 0471 - 2450233

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Architecture

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is renowned for its sculptural beauty. With the ancient work of art in stone and bronze, the mural paintings and wood carvings, this ancient temple is a fine specimen of the Dravidian style of architecture. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands majestically beside the holy tank, named Padma Theertham (meaning the lotus spring). The tower at the entrance is a seven-storey and about 35 meter (100 foot) in height. Decked with beautiful stone carvings, this tower is constructed in South Indian architecture. There is an eighty-foot flag post (Dhwaja stambha) in front of the temple which is covered with gold plated copper sheets.

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple has some interesting features such as the Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. These halls are decorated with beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities. Another notable part is the Navagraha Mandapa whose ceiling displays the Navagrahas.

Broad Corridor with 365 and 1/4 Sculptured Granite Stone Pillars

Extending from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum is a broad corridor which has 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with beautiful carvings. The remarkable touch of the artisans is felt in a piece of carving which has the figure of an elephant on one side and that of a bull on the other. It is notable that the horns of the bull look like the tusks of the elephant when seen from the other side and the trunk of the elephant seems like the hump for the bull.

There is a ground floor under the gopuram (main entrance in the eastern side) which is known as the 'Nataka Sala'. Here the famous temple art of Kerala, the Kathakali, was staged in the night during the annual ten-day Padmanabhaswamy Temple Festival (Uthsavam), held during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Visiting Hours

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple opens daily at 03:30 AM and closes at 07:20 PM. However, there are specific timings for darshan.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Timings in Morning

03:30 AM to 04:45 AM

06:30 AM to 07:00 AM

8.30 AM to 10:00 AM

10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

11:45 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening Darshan Timings of Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple

05:00 PM to 06:15 PM

06:45 PM to 07:20 PM

Please note that the temple worship timings are subject to change during festival occasion.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress Code

Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple. And dress codes are to be strictly followed before entering the temple. Men should wear 'Mundu' or 'Dhoti' while visiting the temple. They also have to remove shirt or t-shirt above waist. Women have to wear Sari (Saree), Mundum Neriyathum (set-mundu), Skirt and Blouse, or Half Sari. This means no pants for men or churidhar for women is allowed inside the temple.

Dhotis are available for rent near temple locker room. Nowadays temple authorities allow to wear Dhotis over pants or churidhar for the convenience of devotees.

Rs 90000 Crore Gold Treasure found in Kerala Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple as on Sunday

Around 90,000 crore worth treasure (Nidhi) has been found in the secret cellars of the famous Kerala Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu - Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The 7 member paper appointed by the Supreme Court of India, has been preparing the list of valuable found in the cellars of Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple. The temple has 6 Secret Cellars (Nilavara – a place to keep assets safe) from Cellar A to Cellar F. Opening of each of these chambers is revealing a virtual treasure trove with precious diamonds, golden ornaments, emeralds, jewelleries, rare antique silver and brass platters and golden idols. An estimation of above 90,000 crore treasure was valued at the completion of the 6th day of valuing the assets of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Golden idol of Mahavishnu worth Rs. 500 Crore

The main treasure found on the 6th day was a one foot (12 angulams) height golden idol of Lord Mahavishnu and a 30 kg golden ‘anki’. This golden idol of Lord Vishnu is believed to be the replica of the ‘utsava vigraham' used in the temple. The golden idol of Padmanabhaswamy studded with more than 1000 previous stones is valued to around Rs. 500 Crore. Another golden idol of Lord Sree Krishna was also found which weighs around 5 kg.

Golden Coins, Ornaments, and Human figurine

Several golden coins were also unearthed yesterday which are believed to be issued during the reign of Krishnadeva Rayar in the 16th century AD. Numerous golden ornaments which were used to adorn the main deity were also found in the Vault marked A. Ornaments studded with emeralds were also found on Saturday. Numerous golden human figurine weighing 1 kg, golden bangles, golden rope, are other interesting treasure found in the Vishnu Temple.

Golden Coconut Shells

Another interesting finding was two coconut shells made of pure gold. One of this golden coconut shell was students with rare antique stones including emeralds and rubies.

Cellar B To Open on Monday

Cellar B is the remaining one secret vault which is yet to be inventoried. It is said that this cellar haven’t been opened for more than 100 years. The remaining articles in Cellar A will be inventoried on Monday afternoon and Cellar B will be opened only after that.

Worship Services at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Unlike other Hindu temples in India, there are specific timings for having darshan of Sree Padmanabhaswamy. The temple still carries the old age tradition and heritage of Kerala. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple to worship the Lord. Also, devotees need to follow specific dress code as well. Men have to use Dhoti or Mundu and no shirt or Baniyan should be worn by males. Women devotees can use Saree. Dhotis can be worn over pants or churidhar.

The worshiping services at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple starts from 03:30 AM in the morning and the temple closes after pooja at 07:20 PM.

Kerala Temple Treasure: Value of Wealth Rises up to above 1,00,000 Crore

  When the last of the six cellers of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple chamber were opened on Saturday July 2 a gold idol weighing at least 35 kg was found, along with several other gold, diamond and silver articles.

On Saturday sources close to the temple informed that the total value of the wealth found in the secret chambers of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is estimated at over 1,00,000 crore.

On Friday, when the fifth chamber was opened, the wealth was estimated at about Rs 50,000 crore, while in the sixth chamber, the wealth was found in abundance.

A special police force has been deployed at the temple premises as a security measure. ADGP Venugopal K Nayar has been appointed head of the police security.

It is learnt that the ornaments and valuables were stored in the chambers under a complicated locking system. The team of observers, along with experts struggled to open the secret door. Sources said that to open one chamber experts spent not less than six hours to undo the lock.

SRI ANANTHA PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Temple Name: Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Kshetram.

Renovated In: 1733 AD.
Alias Name: AnantaPuri.
God Name: Sri Anantha PadmanabhaSwamy.
Goddess Name: Sri Hari Lakshmi Thayaar.
Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu.
Pushkarni: Matsya Theertham alias Padma Theertham.
Vimanam: Hemakoota Vimanam.
Renovated By: Raja Marthanda Varma.
Location: Trivandrum(Kerala).
State: Kerala.
Country:India.

Contact:Tele: 0091- 471 -2450233,2466830

Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.Inside the temple dress regulations are strictly enforced.
The Temple Open:
(04.15-05.15hrs,06.45-07.30hrs,08.30-10.30hrs,11.30-11.45hrs,17.15-19.30hrs).
Dress Code:
Men – Dhoti.
Women – Saree and Blouse.
Temple Location:
It is found 3/4 miles away from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. (inside the East Fort).

Big Idol Of Pandavas Displayed During Painkuni Festival

About The Temple:

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is located inside the East Fort,Thiruvananthapuram.It is the state temple of erstwhile Travancore.The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu,who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha,the hooded snake from which the city derives its name,“Thiruvananthapuram“.This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram,Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank.The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture.It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India,the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Holi Serpent.The idol inside the sanctum santorum is in the form of the Lord reclining on the Holy Serpent Anantha.It is an 18 feet long imposing figure built with Salagrama stones brought from Nepal and it is covered with gold and precious stones.This holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees.There are innumeraepillars,intricate carvings and Mural paintings.Outside the temple courtyard,there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs,handicrafts,woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal.One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.In the October/November months of every year,there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam,adjacent to the main building of the temple.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Stone Carving

This holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees.There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and Mural paintings. Outside the temple courtyard,there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs,handicrafts,woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal.One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.In the October/November months of every year,there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam,adjacent to the main building of the temple.The temple has an imposing seven tier gopuram covered with beautiful stone carvings.The temple has a broad corridor with 324 sculptured pillars and a 80 feet high golden flag staff.The walls of the temple are covered with interesting mural paintings depicting mythical stories.The Kulasekharamandapam,the main platform inside the temple is beautiful and regal.The entire architectural style followed in this temple is a mixture of Dravidian and Kerala styles.

Arattu At Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple 

This temple in its present form is built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1729-1758),one of the most powerful rulers of Travancore.The work on the temple was started in 1731.In 1750,the Maharaja dedicated his kingdom to Lord Padmanabha,the presiding deity of the kingdom and assumed the title Padmanabhadasa or the servant of Lord Padmanabha.From that day onwards the rulers of Travancore carry out all their princely and spiritual duties as the servants of the Lord.Padmanabha swamy temple is considered as one among the seven Parasurama shetras in Kerala and one among the 108 sacred temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The ancient texts of Padma purana and Skanda purana have mentions about this temple.The temple has very special rituals.Two festivals are celebrated every year,one in March-April and the second one in September-October.56 day long Murajapam or uninterrupted recitation of prayers is conducted once in six years and once in twelve years the festival of a million lamps or the Lakshadeepam is conducted.The temple is still given the status of the state templeand for the festivals divisions of the armed and mounted police will accompany the deity for the arattu or the holy bathing.Their band also play the songs written by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.Swathi Thirunal had a very special relationship with Lord Padmanabha and the temple.His life was an offering to the Lord.All his songs carry the stamp of total dedication to Padmanabha.The most beautiful of his songs are on Lord Vishnu."Vande Sada Padmanabham"Always I worship thee Padmanabha,Thine is the hue of the water-laden clouds,Thy feet are the celestial Mandara blossoms to those who bow to them,Always I worship thee,my Lord” - Swathi Thirunal wrote.

Mythology:
Padmanabha Swamy Temple stands at a place considered as one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras,texts including the Puranas,particularly the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana,have references for this shrine.Tradition states that in this place,the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Indian sages like Divakarmuni and Vilvamangalam Swami.Another story tells of an pulaya couple seeing Vishnu in the form of a child.The child took morsels of rice from the hands of the couple.Also it is believed that Divakaramuni,when he saw the deity he took the first food item he saw which was an Unripe Mango and a coconut shell as an offering plate and performed primary pooja.In memory of this legend,naivedyam or offering prepared from rice is offered to the deity here in a coconut shell.

Legend:
There are many legends regarding the origin of the temple.One such legend says that the Sage Divakara prayed to Krishna for his darshan.Krishna came in disguise as a small,mischevious boy.The boy swallowed the Saligrama which was kept in Puja.The Sage became enraged at this and chased the boy until the boy hid himself behind a tree.The tree fell down and became Vishnu in Sayana Kolam.when he did so,he was of an extraordinarily large size.The Sage,recognizing that the tree was Vishnu,in despair prayed that he could not pray to Vishnu fully as his form was so large.Immediately,the Vishnu shrunk himself,and told the sage that he should be worshipped through three doors.These doors are now the doors in the temple through which the idol may be viewed.Through the first door,the worship is offered to Shiva,through the second entrance Brahma prays to Vishnu from his lotus navel,and through the third is Vishnu's feet,which are said to lead to salvation.Another legend suggests that the original Murti which was made of the wood of that tree got burned during a fire that engulfed the temple complex,was a sign of the unhappiness of the lord with the king.

Entrance Of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple

History Of Temple:
In olden days Sree Padmanabha Kshetram and its properties were controlled by powerful lords known as Ettuveetil Pillamar under the guidance of Ettara Yogam.Later,Marthanda Varma defeated the Pillamar and his cousins "Kunju thampis" and took over power.The last major renovation of the temple was done by King Marthanda Varma,Maharaja of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.He dedicated his kingdom to the deity,and pledged that he and his descendants would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa,meaning "servants of the Lord Padmanabha".With this,Sri Padmanabha became the nominal head of the state of Travancore,assuming the title Perumal,the Emperor.The British Government saluted the Lord with a 21-gun salute,a military tradition of colonial days,which was continued by the Indian Army until the abolition of the privy purses by Government of India with Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister.The royal insignia of the Lord,The Valampuri Shankhu or dextral conch-shell,served as the State emblem of Travancore and even continued so for some time after the re-organisation of the States.Sri Padmanabha is still regarded as regional deity of Travancore[citation needed.The two annual festivals of the Temple culminate in a grand procession,in which the three deities (Sree Padmanabha,Narasimha Swamy and Krishna) carried on flower-decked and aesthetically decorated Garuda Vahanas to the Shankhumukhom beach,for 'aaraattu' (sacramental ablution).The 'aarattu' days are declared as local public holidays in Tiruvananthapuram.
Gopuram:
The temple has a 100 foot, seven-tier gopuram.The temple stands by the side of a tank,named Padma Theertham (meaning the lotus spring).The temple has a corridor with 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with elaborate carvings.This corridor extends from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum.An eighty-foot flag-staff stands in front of the main entry from the 'prakaram' (corridor).The ground floor under the gopuram (main entrance in the eastern side) is known as the 'Nataka Sala' where the famous temple art,Kathakali was staged in the night during the ten-day uthsavam (festival) conducted twice a year,during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.