Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Padmanabha Swamy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  There is a 100 feet and seven storied high marvelously carved ‘Gopuram’ in the complex built in the ancient Dravidian style. It is a very famous pilgrimage centre and one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city.   It was built in 1733 by the Maharaja of Travancore.

Natural pigments have been used in the construction of all the countless pillars and mind boggling intricate and delicate carvings and the mural paintings. The main deity of the temple is lord Vishnu which is seen reclining on the sacred serpent god Anantha. The idol of Vishnu is 18 feet long and a lotus grows from Vishnu’s navel and Brahma is seen in the lotus. Several arts forms like Krishnanattam, Koodiyattom, Pavakkoothu, Nokkuvidya, Velakali and Kathakali have originated and flourished here under the patronage of the temple and the royal family. The temple is situated inside the East Fort. Rules of the temple have to be followed and entry is granted only on following of strict dress regulations. Entry is allowed only to Hindus.

A big market lines the street in front with shops selling temple and Pooja requirements and flowers. There is large pond, Padmatheertha, inside the temple complex which is used by devotees for bathing and other religious rituals. The temple is built using a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles. It is considered as a Mahakshetram and is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India.  During the Navratri Festival in the months of October /November, musical concerts are held at the Navratri Mandapam, adjacent to the main building of the temple with musicians and artists coming from all over to pay obeience through music.

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