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Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Vishnu (Anantha Padmanabha) · Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
॥ ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥
The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram enshrines Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha, reclining upon the thousand-hooded serpent Adisesha. A Divya Desam and the spiritual heart of the old Travancore kingdom, it is reputed to be the richest temple in the world, its sealed vaults holding a treasure of gold and jewels beyond reckoning.
The reclining lord on the serpent
The great image of Padmanabha lies in cosmic sleep on Anantha, the endless serpent, with the god Brahma rising on a lotus from his navel — padma-nabha, “lotus-navel.” The idol is so vast that it is seen through three separate doors: the face and chest, the navel with Brahma, and the feet. It is made in the rare kadu-sarkara-yogam method, a hardened herbal plaster over a core.
The temple of the Travancore kings
The Travancore royal house dedicated its kingdom to the lord and ruled as Padmanabhadasa, “servants of Padmanabha,” holding the deity to be the true sovereign. The present granite temple, with its tall gopuram over the Padma Teertham tank, took shape under the 18th-century king Marthanda Varma, on a site sung by the Alvars centuries earlier.
The sealed vaults
Beneath the temple lie chambers whose opening in recent years revealed gold ornaments, coins and jewels of staggering value, making Padmanabhaswamy the wealthiest temple known. One vault remains sealed by tradition. The temple keeps strict custom — a dress code of mundu for men, and entry reserved for Hindus — and its grandest festivals are the Lakshadeepam and Painkuni.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is in the East Fort area at the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.
- By train: Thiruvananthapuram Central is about 1 km away.
- By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 6 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the deity at Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha, reclining on the serpent Adisesha with Brahma rising on a lotus from his navel. The huge image is viewed through three separate doors.
Why is it called the richest temple in the world?
Vaults beneath the temple, opened in recent years, were found to hold gold ornaments, coins and jewels of immense value; one vault remains sealed by tradition.
What is the connection with the Travancore kings?
The Travancore royal house dedicated its kingdom to the lord and ruled as Padmanabhadasa, servants of Padmanabha, treating the deity as the true ruler.
Is there a dress code?
Yes — the temple follows strict custom, with a dhoti/mundu dress code, and entry is reserved for Hindus.
Is it a Divya Desam?
Yes — it is one of the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Alvar saints, and the spiritual heart of old Travancore.
How do I reach the temple?
It is in the East Fort area of Thiruvananthapuram; the Central railway station is about 1 km away and the airport about 6 km.
॥ जय श्रीमन्नारायण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha (reclining on Adisesha) |
| Significance | Divya Desam; reputedly the world’s richest temple |
| Linked to | Travancore royal house (Padmanabhadasa) |
| Special | Idol viewed through three doors; sealed treasure vaults |
| Architecture | Kerala–Dravidian, with gopuram and Padma Teertham |
| Main Festival | Lakshadeepam, Painkuni |