Padmanabhaswami Temple
Padmanabhaswami temple is one of the most sacred temples in Kerala, a pilgrimage destination for Vaishnavas and Thiruvananthapuram’s most popular location. Housing a massive idol of Lord Vishnu, this magnificent temple is known as much for its architectural brilliance as for its religious and historical significance.
According to belief, Lord Vishnu has 108 sacred abodes and Padmanabhaswami temple is one of them. The deity is shown reclining upon the serpent God ‘Anantha’. Its seven storied temple tower called ‘Gopuram’ is over 100 ft high whereas its 18 feet high idol of deity is covered with gold, precious and semi-precious stones.
Displaying ancient architecture, with a mix of Dravidian, Hindu and Kerala styles of architecture, The delicate carvings, frescos and paintings upon the temple walls, canopies and pillars are breathtakingly beautiful. Only Hindu’s are allowed to enter the temple premises.
Another attraction of the Padmanabhaswami temple is the annual ‘Arattu festival’ that brings a new lease of life into Trivandrum residents who makes it a point to attend in large numbers. Like most festivals in Kerala, this too witnesses several elephants dressed majestically taking part in the temple ceremonies. The festival sees beautiful decoration of the whole temple complex. The shrine and especially the festival possessions are taken care of by the ruler of Travancore to this day.
Padmanabhaswami Temple(How to reach)
By Air: Trivandrum international airport has regular flights in and out from the city.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Trivandrum railway station just a short distance from the temple.
By Road: Thrivandrum being the capital of Kerala, a well laid out network of roads connects the shrine with all nearby cities and towns.
