Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an awe-inspiring structure that has a 100 feet high 'gopuram', built in Dravidian style. A famous pilgrimage centre and one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city the Maharaja of Travancore built this temple with its seven storied carved gopuram in the Dravidian style in 1733. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. The main deity of the temple, Vishnu reclines on the sacred serpent Ananda. 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 flourished here under the patronage of the temple. The temple is located inside the East Fort . Only Hindus are allowed entry inside the temple and dress regulations are strictly followed.
A big market lines the street in front, and there is large pond, Padmatheertha, nearby for ritual bathing. The architecture is a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles. It is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India In the October/November months of every year, during the Navarathri Festival musical concerts are held at the Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the main building of the temple.
Best Season:
Throughout the year
(Open: 0415 - 0515 hrs, 0645 - 0715 hrs, 0830 - 1115 hrs, 1145 -1200 hrs, 1700 - 1815 hrs, 1845- 1930 hrs)
Emergency Details:
Phone - 0471 2450233
Transport Terminals:
Kizhakke Kota (East Fort)
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is just about one kms away from temple. You can walk or take an autorikshaw to the temple
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International airport is about eight kms away.
Tags :Thiruvananthapuram
