Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Jul 15, 2025

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is a revered Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temples are famously known for their stunning architecture and immense wealth. It's one of the 108 Divya Desams and a significant site for the Sri Vaishnava and Smartha traditions. The temples showcase a unique blend of Kerala and Dravidian style, featuring high walls and a prominent 16th-century gopuram. The temple is one of the 10 richest temples in India as its vaults contain a vast collection of gold, jewels and precious artefacts that make it one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world. The temple is managed by a trust headed by the Travancore royal family, who have a long-standing tradition of serving the deity. The principal deity, Padmanabhaswamy, is a form of Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta Shesha, in the "Anantha Shayana" posture.

Historical significance of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, holds immense historical significance as a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and a symbol of the region's rich culture and architectural heritage. Below are details about the temple's historical importance.

Ancient Origins: The temples' origins are linked to Hindu scriptures like the Brahma Purana and Padma Purana, as well as local legends.
Architectural Significance: The temple's architecture blends Dravidian and Kerala styles, with a towering gopuram (gateway tower) and intricate stone sculptures.
Wealth and Vaults: The temple gained global attention after discovering vast treasures in its underground vaults, which contained gold, precious stones, coins, and other valuable artefacts.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The temple is a principal centre of worship for Vaishavites and a place of pilgrimage. It is an integral part of Kerala's religious and cultural heritage.

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

The Origin of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The exact origin of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is shrouded in mystery, and no definitive historical records pinpoint its precise beginnings. There are so many stories about the origin of the Padmanabhaswamy temple. But there is one popular story where one legend tells of Divakara Muni, a Tulu Brahmin sage, who encountered Lord Vishnu in the form of a child. After some playful interaction, the child merged into a tree, which then transformed into the deity as seen today. At the same time, another legend involves Vilwamangalam Swami, who also had a vision of Vishnu on the serpent Ananta, leading to the temple's establishment.

The Things to Do at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

At the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, devotees can participate in the sacred rituals like Abhishekam and Archana, experience the temple's rich architecture and artwork, and witness festivals such as Vishu, Onam, Navratri, and Lakshadeepam. Below are the things to do at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Participate in Rituals: You can participate in the rituals, which include abhisheka, Archana, udayasthamana, and pal payasam Nivedyam.
Explore the Temple Architecture: Admire the architecture in the Dravidian and Kerala styles, including the intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures.
Witness the famous festivals: A few major festivals are celebrated, including Vishu, Onam, Navratri, and Laskhadeepam.

The Opening Time of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram has specific times for darshan when you can view the deity. The Padmanabhaswamy temple is open in the morning and as well as in the evening. When planning to visit the temple further, ensure that you visit during the opening hours.

Morning:

3:30 AM to 4:45 AM (Nirmalya Darshanam).
6:30 AM to 7:00 AM.
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
10:30 AM to 11:10 AM.
11:45 AM to 12:00 PM.

Evening:

5:00 PM to 6:15 PM.
6:45 PM to 7:20 PM.

The Must-Visit places Nearby the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is famous for its intricate architecture and rich history. There are also some other must-visit spots near the temple. To learn more about the following, focus on the information mentioned below and proceed with the mode accordingly.

Kuthira Malika Palace (Puthen Malika): This palace, built in the traditional Kerala style, showcases exquisite woodwork, Belgian glass chandeliers, and royal artefacts.
Napier Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of archaeological and historical artefacts, including bronze idols, ornaments, and ivory works.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: This temple is known as the "Sabarimala of Women." Goddess Kannaki is worshipped in this temple, which is quite famous for the Attukal Pongala festival.
Therefore, after reviewing the information mentioned earlier, you must be further updated about the famous temples in India. Thus, to learn more about the Padmanabhaswamy temple, go through the FAQ below and later get more updates.
Kovalam Beach: A picturesque beach known for its scenic beauty and secluded coves.
Neyyar Dam: A popular spot for nature lovers, offering boating, picnicking, and scenic views.

The Modes to visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

You can visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temols by air, train, or road. You can choose any of your preferred transportation modes from the following. To learn more about the respective, focus on the information mentioned below and get updated with the following.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, approximately 6 km from the temple. You can hire a taxi from the airport, take an auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

By Train:

The closest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, also known as Thampanoor Railway Station, which is about 1.5 km away. You can easily reach the temple by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or even on foot. Kochuveli Railway Station is another option, about 9 km from the temple.

By Road:

The temple is well connected by road and easily accessible by bus. The Tampanoor Bus stand is a major bus terminal in Trivandrum, and the temple is about 1 km away. You can also take a bus from Kovalam, which is about 20 km away. Auto rickshaws and taxis are readily available for hire throughout the city.

See also: 15 famous temples in Hyderabad

Conclusion

So, after looking over the information mentioned earlier, you must be updated about the necessary information regarding the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. You must now be aware of the required information about the temples, as they are multifaceted landmarks encompassing architectural grandeur, spiritual devotion, and historical intrigue. To learn more about the historic site and plan your itinerary, go through the FAQ cited below and get informed about the other rules and accommodations.

FAQ

1. What is the Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its historical and cultural significance and vast treasure. The temple is built in the Dravidian style with a towering gopuram and is a symbol of Kerala's rich culture and architecture.

2. What is the dress code at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a strict dress code for visitors. Men must wear a dhoti and not wear any upper garment. Women can wear sarees, skirts, blouses, or half sarees. Dhotis are also available for rent at the temple entrance for men who don't have one.

3. What are the major festivals celebrated at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The major festivals celebrated at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple are the Alpasi Utsavam, which is celebrated from October to November, and the Painkuni Utsavam, which is celebrated from March to April. The temple also celebrates festivals like Ashtami Rohini (Janmashtami), Swargavathil Ekadashi, Navaratri and Thiruvonam.

4. How many vaults are there in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, India, has six vaults, designated as A, B, C, D, E, and F. A few of the vaults, A, C, D, E, and F, have been opened and examined, but Vault B remains unopened.

5. What is the mystery of Vault B?

Vault B, also known as Kallara B, is the most mysterious of the six vaults at the Shree Padmanabaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It remains unopened, shrouded in legends and beliefs about its contents and the potential consequences of opening it.

6. What kind of treasure was found in the five opened Vaults?

The five vaults of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple contained a vast collection of gold, precious stones, and other valuable items. These included gold idols, golden thrones, crowns, coins, statues, ornaments, and various precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. There were also ceremonial costumes, gold coconut shells studded with jewels, and ancient coins from various periods and regions.

6. Is the Padmanabhaswamy temple one of the wealthiest temples in India?

Yes, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is widely considered one of India's wealthiest temples; some even claim it to be the richest in the world. This is due to the vast treasure discovered within the vaults, including gold, jewels and precious stones.

7. What are the prohibited items to carry inside the Padmanabhaswamy temple?

Several items are prohibited inside the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, including electronic devices, leather items, and certain types of clothing. Thus, phones, cameras, and electronic gadgets are not allowed. Additionally, leather products like belts, wallets, and bags are prohibited.

8. How many hours are required to visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple?

Visiting the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram typically requires 2 to 3 hours, including time for darshan and exploring the temple complex. However, the actual time can vary depending on the day, time of visit, and whether you choose the special darshan option.

9. Is it necessary to make the registration before visiting the Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Yes, according to the temple authorities, one day before the visit, devotees must register online for the darshan at the Padmanabhaswamy temple. They also need to carry a copy of the registration form and their Aadhaar card.

10. How do I enter the Padmanabhasway Temple?

Entry to the temple is free, so you can enter the temple, stand in the darshan queue, and wait for the darshan of the lord. However, the queue can get long as time passes. You can also purchase special Padmanabhaswamy Temple darshan tickets at the centre to avoid standing in a long queue.