Standing tall for centuries, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an imminent yet mysterious shrine of Lord Vishnu. It is located in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala and is one of the 108 Divya Desams of India. The temple has a net worth of 1 lakh crore and is one of the wealthiest religious institutions all over the world. Devotees come from far and wide to solve their problems, alleviate their pain or adore the temple’s charm and beauty. Find the best places to visit near Padmanabhaswamy Temple that One cannot miss. Read the blog to learn more about these places and how to reach them!
Padmanabhaswamy Temple History
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There is no record of the exact date or year of construction of Pathmanathan Temple. The oldest temple record has been found in Sangam Literature, around 500 BC. Records of palm leaves from the 15th century show that the sanctum sanctorum was repaired, and the Ottakkal Mandapam was built.
King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma of the 17th century was a dedicated temple devotee. He reconstructed the sanctum sanctorum and made a new statue of Lord Vishnu. It consists of 12,008 shaligram stones and kate ( a special herb). In 1938, King Karthik Thirunal Rama Varma constructed the Karthika Mandapam.
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Architecture Of Padmanabhaswamy Temple
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The temple is spread over seven acres of land and perfectly amalgamates Kerala and Dravidian architecture. The idol is placed in an east-west direction with the deity of Padmanabhaswamy in a meditation reclining on Shesha Naga, creating an umbrella with its hood. The seventies-high Gopuram rises to 100 feet and is made of granite and bricks. It is constructed above the main entrance of the temple on the east. The temple corridor is filled with magnificently carved statues and pillars. Murals of the Hindu scriptures beautify the walls and ceilings.
The architectural orientation of the gopuram is evident during the equinoxes on 21 March and 22 September. Along the entire length of the gopuram, a pair of window-like openings is present. During equinoxes, the sun can be seen passing through each window opening of the gopuram. This is possible because of the precise construction of the gopurams at an angle of 90 degrees to the east-west direction. The gopurams of the Pathmanathan Temple are evidence of brilliant architecture and engineering.
Festivals Celebrated At Padmanabhaswamy Temple
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Here is a list of festivals you can enjoy in the sacred Pathmanathan Temple
- Alpasi and Meenam: These joyous festivals, which last for 10 days and begin with the flag being hoisted in the temple, are celebrated from October to November and Meenam from March to April. These festivals are an excellent time to be here and soak in the vibrance and blessings of god.
- Vaikunti Ekadasi is celebrated in November – December, on the eleventh day of the Hindu month Dhanu. It is the day of salvation, and it is believed that on this day, one can break the cycle of birth and death with the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
- Vishu: The first day of the Malayalam year is celebrated by offering rice, fruits, and vegetables to Lord Vishnu. The prosperous day is celebrated with fireworks, and masses of devotees visit the temple.
- Lakshadeepam: This festival is celebrated once every six years, and the priest prepares for it by chanting the Vedas for 56 days before it. On the day of the festival, the temple lights up gorgeously with one lakh diyas, and it is a sight worth watching.
- Onam: Celebrated in August- September, this festival marks the birth of Lord Padmanabhaswamy. It is celebrated for 10 days with enthusiasm and grandness.
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Padmanabhaswamy Temple Kerala Timings
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Timings: Pathmanathan Temple opens at 3 AM. Morning darshan can be done from 3:30- 4:15 AM, 6:30-7 AM, 8:30- 10 AM, 10:30-11:10, and 11:45- 12 PM. Evening darshan is available from 5-6:15 PM and 6:45-7:20 PM.
Entry Fee: Entry into the temple is free of cost. The glory of Lord Vishnu attracts people from all over the country, so as time passes, the queue for darshan gets longer. You can skip the queue by purchasing a VIP ticket. The VIP tickets for one person cost Rs.180 and Rs. 250 for two. Kids can go without a VIP ticket as well.
Places To Visit Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Here are some of the best places to visit near Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
1. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
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Situated close to Kovalam in Kerala, India, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is well-known for its distinctive marine life exhibit. The ‘Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium,’ as it is commonly called, provides an overview of the various aquatic animals in the seas of the Indian and Arabian oceans. It has a fantastic array of marine life, including sea horses, clownfish, lionfish, moon wrasse, butterflies, and unusual varieties of decorative fish. The aquarium is especially well-known for its Image Pearl production method, which turns pearls into focal points by embedding images. It is one of the amazing Places To visit Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Entry Fee: INR 20 onwards
Location: Near Light House Road, Vizhinjam Harbour Road, Kovalam, Kerala 695521
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2. Kanakakunnu Palace
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Kerala, India’s capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, is home to the cultural heritage landmark Kanakakunnu Palace. Constructed during the time of His Highness Sree Moolam Thirunal, the Travancore Monarch, the palace is perched atop a tiny hill encircled by forests and fields. The palace’s construction is a prime illustration of how traditional Keralan and colonial architectural styles may coexist. Several buildings make up the royal property, including the main building with its regal exterior, beautiful woodwork, and crystal chandeliers. These events are often held in the auditoriums of the palaces Sooryakanthi and Nishagandhi. The expansive grounds and immaculate gardens provide guests with a tranquil setting. A stroll around the gardens and inside of the palace offers an insight into the luxury and way of life of the Travancore nobility in the past.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Sooryakanthi Rd, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033
3. Vellayani Lake
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Vellayani Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India, is a well-liked tourist attraction and is a local attraction. It is located close to Kovalam. This picturesque lake, which covers an area of around 7.5 square kilometres, is well-known for its calm beauty and verdant surroundings. Its picturesque attractiveness is enhanced by the lotuses dotting the water body, surrounded by lush paddy fields and coconut trees. At the lake, visitors can enjoy boat excursions and the peaceful atmosphere while getting a close-up look at Kerala’s traditional rural way of life. Numerous aquatic species can be found in the lake’s ecosystem, and the area is excellent for birdwatching, particularly in the migratory season. It is among the beautiful Places To visit Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala
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4. Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
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Situated on the banks of the Karamana River at Thiruvallam, close to Kovalam in Kerala, India is the ancient Hindu temple known as Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, a calm and contemplative location considered 2000 years old. The temple, devoted to Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a magnificent example of traditional Keralan temple construction, with murals and wood carvings that illustrate numerous Puranic and epic tales. This temple is unique because it is the only one in Kerala, if not the entire globe, where followers can conduct rites for their ancestors in the water. It is a centre for pilgrimage activities, a site of great cultural significance, and a place of worship. It is one of the best Places To visit Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: CXR3+GWP, Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695027
How To Reach
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By Flight
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. Flights from major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Cochin connect to Trivandrum. The airport also receives flights from Singapore, the Maldives, and Gulf countries. You can take a cab or a taxi to cover the remaining 4 km to Pathmanathan Temple.
By Train
Trivandrum has a well-developed railway system and is connected to major cities in India. The capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, has its railway station, Trivandrum Central Railway Station, which is just 2 km away from Pathmanathan Temple.
By Road
Trivandrum is well connected to various cities like Kochi, Madurai, etc. Several state-run and private buses are available from Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore. The bus stand is just 2 km away from Pathmanathan Temple.
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Pathmanathan Temple stands as a jewel in the state of Kerala. It is the testimony of timeless devotion and rich heritage. If this guide about the Pathmanathan Temple encourages you to pay a visit, here are some of the best plans for a trip to Trivandrum. Visit Pathmanathan Temple and soak in the atmosphere’s richness and soft chants.
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Frequently Asked Questions Places To Visit Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Can foreigners enter the temple?
No, only Hindus devotees are allowed to enter the temple.
How long is the idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy?
The idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy stands up to a height of 18 feet.
Are mobiles allowed inside the Pathmanathan Temple?
No electronic devices can be taken inside. Photography is also prohibited.
Are the special darshan tickets available online?
No, you can purchase it from the temple counter.
Are there free meals provided in the temple?
No, only Prasadam is available for the devotees.
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