Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram (2024)

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams in India, can be found in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The temple, which is adorned with gold-plated coating, is solely accessible to Hindus. Vaishnavism’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, one of Vishnu’s many incarnations, and is a major center of devotion for Vaishnavism.

Built to replicate Thiruvattar’s Adikesavaperumal Temple, the Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a well-preserved example of ancient architecture. As a result of a lack of evidence to the contrary, believers believe that this temple has been there for at least 5000 years. Several sacrifices were offered to the deity in the temple by Balarama, Lord Krishna’s elder brother, according to the scriptures.

Vaults in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

For the sake of research, the temple vaults have been labeled. Only one of the six vaults, Vault B, is accessed at least eight times a year. Legendary archaeologists and historians alike feel that the vault’s contents are sacrosanct and should not be revealed to the public.

Naga Bandham or Snake Guard is thought to have been used to shut off the chamber by 16th century Siddha Purushas or the ever-ready male devotees of the day. Only a wise sage who is well-versed in the Naga Bandham can unlock the snake-guarded entrance to Vault B. An Eagle Chant or Garuda Mantram by the Muni would be required to unlock the door, which would only do so with such a chant. Machines and technology are feared to have the capacity to bring down the whole nation if they are used to open the door.

What To Wear In Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• There are no other options for ladies other than the traditional saree, the Mundum Neriyathum (set-mundu), a skirt and blouse, or a half-saree.
• For young girls under the age of twelve, gowns are authorized.
• Wearing a mundu or dhoti and exposing one’s chest is a requirement for men.
• At the entryway, dhotis may be rented.
• For the sake of the followers, these guidelines have lately been loosened up a little.

Architecture of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Kerala-style and Dravidian (Kovil)-style elements combine to form the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s architecture, which can be seen in many adjacent temples. This architectural style is notable for its high walls. Also in the temple is the garbagriha, or the sanctum sanctorum, where worshippers may pray. The main deity of the temple is an 18-foot-long statue.

Stunning artwork adorns the building’s stone and metal outside and interior walls. Some believe that there are 365 and one-quarter pillars made from granite stone that are carved with magnificent designs along a lengthy corridor on the eastern side of the building. Tourists go to see the Navagraha Mandapa, a ceiling mural depicting the solar system’s nine planets.

Anantha’s five hoods, which face inwards, create an umbrella over Sri Padmanabha’s head, a symbol of concentration, in the temple. In this position, the snake is known as ‘Yogi-Nindra’, or the ‘Ananatha-Sayanam’. Bhudevi and Sridevi are all around the idol as it lays its right hand on a Shiva Lingam, the Goddess of Earth. Lord Brahma appears as a lotus in the idol’s naval.

The Idols in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Salagramams from Nepal and the Gandhaki River have been used to make the statue of Sree Padmanabhaswamy, the main deity of the temple.

This temple’s garbhagriha, or inner sanctuary, is built on an 18-foot-long stone slab, and the main idol may be seen from three distinct openings in the sanctum sanctorum. Head, chest, hands, and feet may be seen via all three doors, which open outwards.

Is Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple The Richest Temple?

Aside from tales and well-considered speculations, the Padmanabhaswamy temple enigma sits on top of infinite fortune. The history of the temple and its riches may be found in abundance on the internet. However, only those who are genuinely dedicated will be able to experience the temple’s ethereal atmosphere of devotion and divinity. When attempting to comprehend the reputed richness of the temple, one has a strange hesitancy in the throat. Not a ‘country’, but many countries, may be purchased for 17 billion dollars. Thus, after rewriting the response to the previous question, we learn that the wealthiest temples in India are also ranked in the top 10. It is also the world’s wealthiest temple.

How To Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

• Via Rail: The nearest train station to the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple is the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. An 8-minute walk will get you there in less than a half-mile. Trains may be taken from Kochuveli Railway Station, which is 9 kilometers distant and takes 17 minutes to reach the temple.
• Via Bus: The closest bus station to the temple is Vizhinjam Bus Station. It’s just 16 kilometers away, and a 30-minute drive on the road will get you there.
• Via Taxi or Auto: You may get a cheap taxi or auto-rickshaw ride from any part of the city. It’s a convenient and time-saving method to get there.

Secrets of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Vault B and the dark mysteries and folklore that lie behind its walls are now well-known to us. Some believe that a curse will fall on India as a whole if the doors are opened arbitrarily or in any other manner that excludes the power of devotion to the infinite. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with cobras or a tsunami; earlier attempts to enter the vault have always ended in tragedy.

According to tradition, the vault can only be opened by a great yogi whose lips utter the Garuda Mantra and its essence. In this way, Padmanabhaswamy temple history has been filled in, exposing the long-held mystery of the temple.

People think that the snake deity protects the wealth because of the sculptures of snakes on the entrance.

Another story is that at a time of hunger, individuals attempted to break into the vault. But when they heard the sound of water gushing from within, they halted. Floods are feared to ensue if the vault is unlocked, according to legend.

When Parshurama sanctified the idol, it is reported that many holy men approached him. They requested that he offer them a place to dwell where they may worship the god in peace. Because they are gods, they are still in the vault guarding the riches, which he built for them.

Rumours abound that the government has located and is still guarding two more vaults. The temple exists, and it is both a mystery to cynics and a wonder to the religious.