Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands in the old fort area of Thiruvananthapuram and is dedicated to Vishnu as Padmanabha, reclining on the serpent Anantha. The city's name, "the city of Lord Ananta", derives from it. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams.

The temple has a close link with the royal house of Travancore. In 1750, King Marthanda Varma dedicated his kingdom to the deity, and the rulers have since styled themselves as Padmanabha Dasa, servants of the deity. The temple's management by the royal family was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2020.

Home of the Travancore royal family's deity. Made global headlines in 2011 when temple vaults were opened revealing an estimated USD 20 billion in treasures.

The temple blends the Kerala and Dravidian styles. A seven-tiered gopuram, about 30 metres tall, stands at the east entrance, and the corridors are lined with carved granite pillars and figures.

The deity is a large reclining figure, said to be made from 12,008 shaligram stones set with a special mixture called katusarkara yogam. Worshippers view it through three doors: the first shows the face and chest, the second the hands, and the third the feet.

Worship follows strict Kerala temple traditions. Only Hindus are admitted, men must wear a mundu (dhoti) without a shirt and women a sari or mundu, and trousers and other clothing are not allowed.

The Alpashy and Painkuni festivals each last ten days and include the Arattu procession to the sea at Shankumugham. The Murajapam, a ritual chanting of the Vedas, is held every six years and ends with Lakshadeepam, the lighting of a hundred thousand lamps.

• Painkuni Utsavam
• Alpashy Utsavam
• Laksha Deepam

Dress rules are strictly enforced; mundus and saris can be hired or bought near the temple. Phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed. The queue can be long on festival days, and mornings are quieter.

The temple's vaults drew worldwide attention in 2011 when they were inventoried by court order, and one vault remains sealed. Kuthiramalika Palace, the Napier Museum and Kovalam Beach are nearby.

Thiruvananthapuram has an international airport 6 km away. The temple is at the heart of the old city.

• Attukal Bhagavathy TempleKerala · about 2 km in a straight line
• Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha TempleKerala · about 107 km in a straight line
• Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, ThiruchendurTamil Nadu · about 129 km in a straight line

• Sri Ranganathaswamy TempleTamil Nadu
• Cheluvanarayana Swamy TempleKarnataka
• Chennakesava TempleKarnataka
• Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden TempleTamil Nadu
• Sri Govindaraja Swamy TempleAndhra Pradesh
• Venkateswara TempleAndhra Pradesh

Where is Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple located?

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located at West Nada, Fort, Thiruvananthapuram 695023, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The presiding deity at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Vishnu (also known as Narayana, Hari), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.

What are the timings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is generally open 03:30–12:00, 17:00–19:30. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple built?

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple was established 8th century CE (present form 18th c.). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is built in the Dravidian-Kerala style, characteristic of Vishnu shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple include Painkuni Utsavam, Alpashy Utsavam, Laksha Deepam. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond.

How can I reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Thiruvananthapuram has an international airport 6 km away. The temple is at the heart of the old city.

Why is Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple significant?

The richest place of worship in the world. Vishnu is worshipped here in the anantasayana posture reclining on the serpent Ananta.

What is the best time to visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

October to March for weather; the Alpashy (October to November) and Painkuni (March to April) festivals are the busiest.