Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram, another critical temple in Kerala and the wealthiest temple in India is an example of Dravidian architecture and is of religious importance.
Located in the city centre of Kerala, this temple is another important religious shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Tourists interested in history, architecture, and religion should not miss the opportunity to visit this place. Access to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple can be by air, rail, or road. Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport and 6 km from the hotel. The temple is just 1 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Many buses and taxis from different parts of the city can get to the temple.
About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of Thiruvananthapuram’s famous and influential temples, representing Kerala’s great cultural heritage. The temple is mainly devoted to Lord Vishnu, depicted in the ‘Anantha Shayanam’ posture on the serpent Anantha.
1. Historical Significance
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Newly listed as a world heritage site, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the oldest temples, built around the 8th century. Reconstructed in the 18th century by Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma, the political history blends with this temple.
Marthanda Varma consecrated the kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha; therefore, the temple signifies not only a religious shrine but also royal piety and political intrigue, the area’s inherent historical connection, and its cultural significance.
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2. Architectural Marvel
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Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture. Its main sanctum, made of stone and bronze, reveals the rich work tradition. The gopuram, in the form of a tower, adopts both the Kerala and the Tamil styles of architecture, which is very appealing to the eye.
The temple has beautiful paintings and sculptures, which graphically depict events from the Hindu epics. Due to the architectural style and historical background, the temple is currently a magnificent architectural construction of ancient architecture and religious art.
Places To Explore Near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Some of the best and most popular tourist attractions near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple are mentioned below:
1. Kuthira Malika Palace
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Kuthira Malika Palace, also known as Puthen Malika Palace, is a beautiful example of Kerala Architecture. Constructed by Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, it has fantastic woodwork, Belgian glass chandeliers, and many royal items belonging to the royal family of Travancore. It is said that the name palace was derived from the 122 carved wooden horses, part of the brackets of the southern roof.
Location: Kuthira Malika, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023, India
Timings: 08:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:30
Distance: 0.5 km from city centre
Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners
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2. Napier Museum
Image Credit: Prasanth Prakash for Wikipedia
Napier Museum for Art and Natural History was another establishment established in the 19th century by Lord Napier. It has a special gallery of archaeological and historical material, including bronze idols, ornaments, and ivory works. It is situated in Chennai and has Indo-Saracenic architecture with gothic roofs and minarets, which enhances the museum’s beauty. It is a paradise for historians and art lovers and contains many interesting pieces.
Location: Museum Rd, Near Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India
Timings: 10:00 to 16:45 (closed on Mondays and Wednesday afternoons)
Distance: 3 km from the city centre
Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 5 for children
3. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
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Also spelled as Attingal Temple, Attukal Amma is famous as the ‘Sabarimala of the women’ and is noted for the event of Attukal Pongala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, an avatar of the Goddess Parvati. This festival also features a record in the Guinness World Record for the most significant number of women’s meetings for a religious cause. The temple’s structure represents the best of both worlds in Kerala and Tamil structures, with beautiful paintings and statues.
Location: Attukal, Manacaud P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009, India
Timings: 04:30 to 12:30 and 17:00 to 20:00
Distance: 2 km from city centre
Entry Fee: N.A.
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4. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
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Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of India’s oldest zoos, is located inside Napier Museum. This place is also a natural habitat for many animals, birds, and reptiles; thus, families and wildlife lovers will enjoy their visit. It has a natural background and many plants, looking for a natural setting for the zoo animals. It also has a botanical garden, another beauty of the place.
Location: Museum Rd, Near Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Timings: 09:00 to 17:15 (closed on Mondays)
Distance: 3 km
Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 5 for children
5. Kovalam Beach
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This beach is primarily famous for its scenic beauty and secluded, moon-like shape. It’s a nice place for sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities, including water sports. The beach is divided into three parts: Discover Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach, for they are all different. Kovalam is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatment centres and yoga resorts, which contribute to its being a spa tourism destination.
Location: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695527, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Distance: 12 km from the city centre
Entry Fee: N.A.
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Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a unique tourist attraction that is equally important to religion, culture, and architecture. If you plan to visit this wonder temple, many other places nearby will offer you a cultural trip to Thiruvananthapuram. Enjoy the scenic destinations and find peace within the temple premises of nearby attractions. Plan your trip to Kerala today and embark on an unforgettable journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
What are the dress rules for visiting Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Wrapped around their torsos, and when entering the temple, their dressing is strict; when they do this, they do it to ensure that the temple is not polluted. Men must wear dhoti or mundu; no shirt is allowed, but an angavastram can be worn. Female employees should dress formally and wear sarees or full-length skirts, blouses to be precise. Pants, shorts, and lower dress of Western origin are not allowed to be worn inside the Gurdwara.
Is it permitted to take photographs inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
These are among the agencies that prohibit taking photographs and videos within temple premises to preserve temples. Applying this rule is pertinent to all types of photography, whether with mobile phones or cameras. This rule aims to demand some level of respect for the place by the visitors to help maintain the holiness of the place and ensure that during the time of worship, the visitors show seriousness.
Can non-Hindus go to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
No, the temple only allows Hindus to enter into the temple. This policy is also traditional and is followed without compromise to keep the religious nature of the places intact. People of other religions can also look at the facade of the temple's architecture from outside the territory that is closed to non-Hindus.
What is the best time to visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is during the winter, from October to February, as the climate is relatively calm and suitable for travelling. This period is good enough to tour the temple and the other nearby areas without much heat to discomfort the visitors. It is best to avoid visiting at the height of summer because of the scorching heat and humidity.
Is there any special pooja or ritual performed in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Yes, the temple observes daily poojas, other special rituals, and other special functions. Some essential rites are Nirmalya Darshanam, performed in the morning, and Deeparadhana, conducted in the evening. Besides, special rituals are performed on Vishu, Navaratri, and Thiruvonam occasions, as many devotees flock for blessings.
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