PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE IN TIRUVANTHPURAM-

PADMANABHA  SWAMY TEMPLE IN TIRUVANTHPURAM-

   

This temple is located in the Tiruvanthpuram, the capital city of the state of Kerala. The Tiruvanthpuram takes its name from the "Anantha" which means the endless, the supreme God Lord Padmanabha. The fort which encloses the temple is in the south of the city. The temple in its present form was built in the eighteen century by the erstwhile ruler of Travancore King Martand Varma,who being a true devotee, dedicated his entire kingdom to Lord Padmanabha Swamy and vowed to serve the state  on behalf of Lord like a Padmanabha Dasa. This is a very significant and sacred shrine, the importance of which has been described in several religious books. The temple is about 6 kms from the Tiruvanthpuram Airport. 

The temple has a seven tier "Gopuram" and stands by the side of Padma Theertham (the holy tank). The temple complex has an eighty feet high Dhawja Stambh near the eastern corridor. In the sanctum or the Garbhgriha, the deity is seen reclining on Anantha, the five hooded holy serpent and can be seen through three different doors. The idol of Lord Padmanabha (Maha Vishnu) is  about 18 feet long and said to contain 12008 Salagrams or sacred stones which were collected in Nepal from the bed of river Gandaki.  

The sacred idol of the presiding deity is unique and mesmerising,where the Brahma is seated on a lotus rising from Vishnu's navel and a Shivlingam is sheltered by the Vishnu's right hand .
 Besides the main temple of Lord Padmanabha Swamy, there are several other small temples located inside the temple complex. Among such, large gathering of devotees can also be seen in the temples of Shri Narsimha Swamy and Shri Krishna Swamy .

The shrine dedicated to Narsimha,who assumes the form of man and lion, is small but the deity is believed to be highly potent. It is said that people have heard the roar of a lion from within the temple. Narsimha Swamy is supposed to be the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Lord Krishna is beautifully carved. It is believed that the marvellous granite  idol  of Lord Krishna was brought from Gujrat by the Krishna's descendants.

As per tradition, only Hindus are permitted inside the temple. While entering the temple, men are required to remain bare chested and need to wear dhoti or muddu. Women also need to wear Sari.Photography inside the main temple is also not allowed. Arrangements are there to deposit Clothes,camera and electronic gadgets in the cloakroom. 

Visitors may purchase handicrafts, sandalwood figures, antiques and  range of hand loom items from the  nearby market.

Devotees visiting this holy shrine may also visit Kanyakumari which is about 87 kms. from Thiruvantpuram and is also known for the famous Kanyakumari Amman Temple. 

 Temple of Lord Padmanabha Swamy