subject: Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple at Trivandrum, India [print this page] Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple at Trivandrum, India
Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a renowned landmark in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, India. Situated inside the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram, this massive temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple stands out for its fascinating architecture, which is a fine combination of the traditional Kerala and Dravidian styles. It is also known for its exquisite mural paintings, elaborate stone carvings, pillars and awesome pavilions. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India and has been built at a place regarded as one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu who is depicted as reclining on the Holy Serpent Anantha. It is an 18 feet long huge figure beautifully adorned with gold and precious stones. This temple in its present form was built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma, one of the strongest rulers of erstwhile Travancore.
Festivals
Various festivals and rituals are held in the temple. Among them, two festivals are prominent. A 56 day long Murajapam' or an uninterrupted recitation of prayers is performed once in six years. The Lakshadeepam' or the festival of a million lamps is conducted once in twelve years.
Temple architecture
In the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple, the idol of Lord Vishnu is depicted as reclining on the holy serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The idol could be viewed only through three separate doors. According to a belief, Lord Shiva must be worshipped through the first door, Lord Brahma must be offered prayers through the second entrance, and the third entrance, which is Vishnu's feet, is said to lead to salvation.
One of the unique features of the temple is the 100 foot huge, seven-tier Gopuram. Yet another striking feature of the temple is its corridor which has 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with highly intricate carvings. An eighty-foot flag-staff has been constructed in front of the main entry from the corridor.
How to reach:
The temple is located 3/4 miles away from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
Note: Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress regulations are strictly enforced inside the temple.
