Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum Kerala

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Kerala is a state which is famous for scenic beauty. This is an important fact that almost all people are familiar with. Likewise the temples of Kerala are also very popular. Each & every people of Kerala are familiar with Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, situated in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. This temple is also known as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. When we speak about Trivandrum & its cultures, the first name that comes into mind are capital city & Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The most important feature of this temple is that it is a famous temple of Lord Vishnu. Actually Padmanabhaswamy, the main deity of this temple is a form of Lord Vishnu in the ananthasayanam posture. Another important feature of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is that this is considered as one of the 108 Divya Desam (holiest abode of Lord Vishnu). Do you want to know the history of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple? Then check out the below points.

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Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple & its history

It is believed that Sri Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram & its properties were controlled by Ettuveeil Pillamar under the guidance of Ettara Yogam in older times. But these Ettuveetil Pillamars & their cousins were defeated by King Marthanda Varma, who was the Maharaja of Travancore state. After that King Marthanda Varma made the last renovation of the temple & he took a pledge that he & his descendants would serve as the Padmanabha Dasa (servants of the Lord Padmanabha). Before the re-organisation of the states, the state emblem of Travancore was dextral conch-shell or valampiri Shanku, which was the royal insignia of Lord Vishnu. The present gopuram of this temple was laid foundation in the year 1566. Most people who have visited this temple are familiar with the fact that this temple stands by the side of Padma Theertham. There is a corridor in this temple which consists of 365 & at the same time one quarter sculptures granite stone pillars. During meenam & thulam, a ten day festival is conducted twice a year, in which Kathakali is staged during the night time in Nataka Sala. An important feature which is unique to Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is that it has the idols of Lord Vishnu in all three different postures namely standing, sitting or reclining. That means the idols in the standing door is in the standing posture, the idols for festival processions are in the sitting posture & the idols inside the sanctum sanctorum are in the reclined position. The nivedyams or offerings of this temple include retna payasam, meni thula payasam, otta thula payasam, rice & jaggery pudding in ghee, paal payasam, pal manga, uppu manga(unripe mango soaked in brine water) etc.

Rules & timings of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

It should be noted that only Hindus are allowed to enter the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple located in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Dress code is very important for this temple. Lockers are available here. No men as well as women are allowed to wear dresses that display both legs separately. Also note that men are not allowed to wear the clothes above the waist. Devotees are permitted to take the hand bags inside the temple but camers or cell phones are not permitted.

Darshan times

Before noon: 3:30- 4.45, 6:30- 7:00, 8:30- 10:00, 10:30- 11:00, 11:45-12:00
Afternoon: 5:00- 6:15, 6:45-7:20

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple & festivals

Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, the popular temple is associated with certain festivals like Alpashy festival, Painkuni festival, Navaratri festival, Laksha deepam etc. Among these festivals, the Navaratri festival is an annual festival associated with Sri Padmanabhaswami temple. During this festival, every year the famous swathi music festival is held & usually this festival lasts for about 9 days. The Kuthira Malika Palace located in front of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is having major importance during this festival. This is because the idols of Durga, Murugan & Saraswati are brought to this palace as a procession during the Navarathri festival. Laksha Deepam (hundred thousand lamps) is considered as the biggest festival of Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple. It should be noted that this festival commences once in 6 years & chanting of prayers as well as recitation of three vedas is done for about 56 days prior to this Laksha Deepam. As the name indicates hundred thousand oil lamps are lit in during these festivals. The Painkuni Festival as well as the Alpashy Festival lasts for ten days each. It is important to note that among the Alpashy Festival & the Painkuni Festival, the former is in October/November & the latter is in March/April.

Latest news of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

There is important news related to Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple nowadays. The latest news regarding Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is that treasure was found inside the cellars of this famous temple. The apex court ordered to open the cellars based on a private petition. Sundar Rajan, a local lawyer filed a case in the Kerala High Court demanding the take over of this famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. He said that the persons who are currently controlling this temple are not capable of protecting the wealth as they donot have their own security force. The appeal given by Uthradam Thirunaal Marthanda Varma (current Maharajah of Travancore & the managing trustee of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple) was rejected. The invention was made due to the order of Supreme Court which appointed a 7 member panel, which consists of 2 former judges of Kerala high court as observers. A recent invention in the underground cellars of this famous temple discovered several priceless articles that include precious stones, jewels, silver & brass platters, gold chains, vessels as well as ornaments that worth hundreds of crores of rupees. The temple sources said that in the present market rates, the precious objects would run into atleast Rs 700 crores but the observers said that their job is to draw up an inventory & to submit it to the apex court & not to access the value of the articles in money terms.

Following this, the Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy ordered for a strong security force for this famous temple. Local legends say that the Kings who rules Travancore have sealed their immense riches within the thick stone walls of the temple. When the Maharajah attempted to retain the control of this famous temple by citing special law, there was public outcry with many arguing that now the wealth belonged to the people. Actually the investigations were done in the presence of a representative of current Maharajah, Sundar Rajan, Temple Officials, and High Court Judges etc. The other cellars will be opened in the coming days.