Introduction
Do you know a temple that has its mystical and beauty aspects? Here is the welcome to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
This is not just a worship place, but it has history, stunning architectures, and spiritual significances. Here are ten astonishing facts about this awe-inspiring temple that will want you to visit!
Aarti Timing & Visiting Timings:
Jeans and tight clothing are not allowed.
1. Visiting Timings:
The temple is open daily for visitors at the following times:
- Morning: 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
The temple is open throughout the year, and visitors can come during these hours to offer prayers and participate in rituals.
2. Aarti Timings:
The temple follows a traditional ritualistic schedule:
- Morning Darshan and Aarti: 3:30 AM to 5:00 AM
- Nirmalyam (waking up of the deity) and Usha Puja (morning prayers).
- Evening Aarti: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Sayanaprakasa Puja (night worship) and Aarti are performed during this time.
Special aartis and rituals are performed during festivals such as Vishu, Onam, and Navaratri, when the temple sees more visitors.
3. Dress Code:
Visitors are required to follow a strict dress code:
- Men: Dhoti (traditional cloth) and a shirt (or bare chest is permitted).
- Women: Sari or long skirt with blouse.
1. A Glimpse of History
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built in the 8th century AD by a powerful sage named Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar. The temple is a consecrated place to Lord Vishnu, one of the most essential deities in Hinduism.
At this place, Lord Vishnu is seen lying on a great serpent called Anantha. The temple history dates back more than a thousand years-so it is considered an architecturally stunning edifice.
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple will impress you with its splendor. This temple depicts both styles: Dravidian and Keralite.
On the entrance are carved tall gopuram towers showing the pictorial illustrations of several gods and their stories in Hinduism. It is a master work of art due to marvelous craftsmanship.
3. The Enigmatic Vaults
Have you heard that there are a number of secret vaults in the temple? Legend says that there are six vaults marked A, B, C, D, E, and F. Each of them is said to hold treasures that boggle your mind, such as gold, diamonds, precious jewelry, and worth millions of dollars! Vault B is sealed; the greatest treasure in the temple is hidden there for centuries, by devotees and kings.
4. Rituals and Festivals
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a crowded place of worship. Thousands of people visit and pray here every day, then pay their respects. Of all the more famous festivals, “Alpashy Festival” is one of them.
It is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Thulam, around October-November. It is practiced for ten days with rituals, music, and dance and lures visitors from all over India!
5. Dress Code and Rules
Before you plan your visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, there are some dos and don’ts. The male visitors must wear a dhoti and the female visitors must cover the shoulder and leg with a dress or a sari.
The same signifies respect towards its traditions. No one is allowed to carry mobile phones, cameras, or other gadgets inside the temple.
6. Divine Ambiance
As you step inside the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, you experience something special-silence and a kind of peace. The place is full of sounds of chanting, and of ringing of the bells also and the fragrance of flowers.
The main deity, Lord Padmanabha lies in a sleeping position, that symbolizes cosmic serenity. It makes it an enchanting experience of many.
7. Temple Complex
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple forms a part of a significant temple complex with various smaller shrines. Each one of the latter reveres different gods and, thus, provides the visitors with varied experiences. The whole complex is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, making it a peaceful place for prayer and reflection.
8. The Legend of the Serpent
In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is depicted resting on the serpent Anantha. According to the mythological tale, when the world was in chaos and required a savior, it assumed the form of Lord Vishnu.
The serpent Anantha symbolizes infinity and the cycle of life, however futile. A lot of people visit this temple for blessings of Lord Padmanabha for peace and prosperity.
9. Conservation Efforts
In the recent years, there are numerous attempts to protect this rich heritage of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Temple management continuously focuses on keeping beauty around its architecture and related natural beauty.
In this, cleaning, restorative work on the old sculptures, and the protection of the landscape are essential requirements to let the future generation enjoy this remarkable site.
10. Spiritual Journey
Visiting Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a much more spiritual journey than just touring a place. People of all walks of life and from all cultures come to this place to experience divine energy and bond with their faith. It reminds one of the myriad cultural richness of India and how spirituality plays a crucial role in our lives.
How to Reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- By Road:
- The temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, which is well connected to other cities in Kerala and nearby states.
- From Kochi: About 200 km (approximately 5-6 hours by road).
- From Bangalore: Around 600 km (around 10-12 hours by road).
- Local transport: You can easily reach the temple by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local buses within Thiruvananthapuram.
- By Train:
- Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is around 2 km from the temple. It is a major railway junction connected to many parts of India.
- From the station, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located approximately 6 km from the temple.
- The airport is well-connected with major cities like Kochi, Chennai, and Bangalore, as well as international destinations. You can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach the temple.
Website for Bookings & Information:
- Visit the Travancore Devaswom Board website for more details on the temple’s activities, special bookings, and pujas:
Conclusion
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a treasure of history, architecture, and spirituality. Filled with mysterious vaults, beautiful rituals, and a peaceful atmosphere, it offers an unforgettable experience to each person going in there.
Whether one loves history, the beauty of buildings, or spiritual peace, this temple definitely holds something extra for everyone.
So the next time you are in Kerala, do not miss this great temple. You could find out a bit of India’s vast textile of culture and gain inspiration for your journey!