Are you aware of the wealthiest sanctuary on the planet? It is the esteemed Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple situated in Thiruvananthapuram. Within the treasury vaults of the temple lies a fortune estimated to be worth a staggering one hundred trillion dollars. What adds to its intrigue is the existence of a concealed door behind Chamber B, which remains forbidden for any human to open through their own efforts.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is specifically devoted to Lord Vishnu and holds the esteemed position of being one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are revered as Holy Abodes of Vishnu. Maharaja Padmanabhaswamy, in fact, carries the title of Padmanaswamy, signifying his role as the devoted servant of Lord Padmanabhaswamy. Now, let us delve into everything you need to know about this magnificent temple.
- Essential Details
- Idol & Architectural Marvel
- Enigmatic Secrets
- How To Arrive
All About Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Location: Situated in West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings: 03.30 am to 04.45 am (Nirmalya Darshanam), 06.30 am to 07.00 am, 08.30 am to 10.00 am, 10.30 am to 11.10 am, 11.45 am to 12.00 Noon, 05.00 pm to 06.15 pm,
and 06.45 pm to 07.20 pm.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Tickets: While there is no entry fee, special pooja services are available through various Pooja packages.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dress Code: Only individuals practicing Hinduism are permitted to enter the temple premises. Visitors are required to adhere to a strict dress code, with men donning a dhoti or mundu, and women wearing a saree or a skirt and blouse.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Idol & Architectural Brilliance
Let us now uncover some intriguing insights into the architectural splendor of the temple alongside uncovering the details of the godly idol enshrined within its sacred walls.
- The temple showcases a magnificent display of Dravidian architectural style, which intricately combines elements of both Kerala and Tamil architectural styles.
- The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is an exquisite reproduction of the renowned Sri Adikesavperumal Temple in Thiruvattar. Interestingly, the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram derived its name from this very temple.
- This sacred temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, with the deity Padmanabhaswamy reclining on the serpent Anantha.
- The five serpents guarding above Lord Vishnu, symbolically curved inwards, represent the deity’s contemplative state.
- Lord Vishnu’s right hand rests upon the Shiva Lingam, while the Goddess of Prosperity, Sridevi, and the Goddess of Earth, Bhudevi, stand on either side. Lord Brahma rises from a lotus blossom, accompanied by Shiva by his side.
- The idol of the deity is composed of 12,000 saligrams, each of which originates from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal.
Hidden Secrets of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Within the temple premises lie several chambers, which are only accessible a few times each year. These chambers have been categorized as Vaults A, B, C, D, E, and F for convenience. While all the vaults, except Vault B, contain unimaginable treasures worth trillions of dollars, the secrets behind the doors of Vault B remain concealed. Opening the doors of Vault B is strictly forbidden, with its gate intricately constructed from solid walls of pure gold.
Legend has it that behind the doors of chamber B lies a hidden passage, sealed by siddh purashas using the sacred technique of ‘naga bhandham’ in the 16th century. Only a saint possessing the wisdom of ‘naga bhandham’ and reciting the Garuda Mantra can unlock this secret door. It is believed that any attempt to force open the door using human efforts would result in catastrophic events. Does divine intervention safeguard the temple? The eternal enigma prevails.
How to Reach the Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the temple can be easily reached by taking an auto-rickshaw from any part of the city. To arrive at the capital city, you can opt for various modes of transportation.
By Air: There are regular flights connecting major metropolitan cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai to Trivandrum. Renowned airlines like SpiceJet, GoAir, and Air India operate on these routes. The flight duration from Delhi to Trivandrum is approximately four hours. The nearest airport to Trivandrum is Trivandrum International Airport, which is just a 13-minute drive from the temple.
Traveling By Train
There are numerous railway options available for reaching Trivandrum, but be prepared for a journey of over two days. The Rajdhani train offers the shortest travel time from Delhi to Trivandrum, taking approximately 41 hours. Alternatively, you can choose trains like the Kranti Express or Trivandrum Central, but these will take at least 48 hours. Trains from Mumbai and Bangalore also serve Trivandrum. The Trivandrum Railway Station is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the temple.
Traveling By Road
If you are already in Kerala, you will have no trouble finding buses that go to the capital. If you are in the neighboring region, it is more convenient to find buses specifically bound for Trivandrum.
Further Reading: Check out the top 10 places to visit in Kerala during the monsoon for a mesmerizing trip. Click on this link for more information.
Are You Captivated by the Pictures of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
If you are planning a trip to Kerala, make sure to include a visit to the holy Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is believed that all your wishes will come true if you worship at this temple with utmost devotion. From its architectural beauty and cultural traditions to its captivating legends, every aspect of this attraction in Trivandrum is worth exploring. Don’t forget to add it to your itinerary.
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Common Questions About Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
How much gold is stored in Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple has amassed a staggering amount of gold and jewels worth $22 billion.
When was Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple constructed?
The construction of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple took place in the 16th century under the rule of the kings of Travancore.
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