Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum Timings, History, Festivals & How to Reach

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Anantha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The city’s name, Thiruvananthapuram, translates to “The Land of Lord Anantha,” reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the temple and the region.

Being one of the 108 Divya Desams, or sacred temples of Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only known for its religious importance but also for its historical wealth. The temple’s hidden treasures have fascinated people for centuries, adding to its mystery and allure. Discover the sacred Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. Explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum Timings, puja schedules, history, and festivals. Learn how to reach and prepare for your visit.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum Timings

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Many people visit this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, making it one of the most important places of worship in Hinduism. Visitors from all over the world come to this temple, considering it a must-visit at least once in their lifetime due to its religious importance.

Apart from its spiritual draw, the temple’s unique blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles attracts those interested in studying its design and history. Before planning your visit, it’s helpful to know the Darshan timings and schedule for pujas, aartis, and other rituals.

If you’re planning to visit, make sure to check the updated Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Timings and the Puja/Aarti/Sevas schedule to make the most of your spiritual experience.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram Kerala Timings

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram follows specific timings for darshan, allowing devotees to visit and offer their prayers at designated times throughout the day. Below is a detailed schedule of the temple’s opening and closing times, along with the morning and evening darshan hours. It is essential to plan your visit according to these timings to ensure a smooth experience at this sacred site.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Timings:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Puja, Aarti, and Sevas Schedule

Visiting the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is a spiritual experience, with several daily pujas, aartis, and sevas taking place throughout the day. To make sure you don’t miss any of these sacred rituals, it is important to know the timings of the various ceremonies. Below is a detailed schedule of the pujas and aartis held at the temple.

Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy Temple Puja/Sevas

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram offers a variety of sacred rituals and ceremonies that devotees can participate in. These rituals are a way for worshippers to connect with Lord Padmanabha and seek his blessings. Below are the key Puja and Seva offerings at the temple:

• Abhishekam: In this holy ritual, the deity is bathed with sacred water, milk, and other pure substances as a symbol of purification and devotion.
• Archana: Devotees can partake in chanting the 108 names of Lord Padmanabha, invoking his blessings and divine presence through this powerful prayer.
• Udayasthamana Pooja: A day-long ritual filled with various offerings and prayers, performed from sunrise to sunset, to honor and worship Lord Padmanabha throughout the day.
• Palpayasam Nivedyam: In this offering, a sweet milk-based dessert, Palpayasam, is prepared and offered to the deity as a gesture of devotion and gratitude.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan Tickets

Entry to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is free, and visitors can join the regular darshan queue to offer their prayers. However, as the day progresses, the queue can become long. For those who wish to avoid waiting, the temple offers special darshan tickets that can be purchased at the counter.

By opting for the special darshan, you can enter the sanctum earlier than those in the general queue. The VIP darshan ticket is priced at ₹150, and for ₹180, you can also receive prasad. For ₹250, you can gain entry for two people, which includes a pooja thali. Children can enter the temple free of charge.

In addition to darshan, the temple provides various special pooja rituals, which can be booked in advance:

• Nirmalyam to Deeparadhana (3:30 AM to 4:45 AM) is available for ₹3000.
• Nirmalyam to Usha Pooja (3:30 AM to 5:30 AM) costs ₹4000.
• Nirmalyam to Pantheeradi Pooja (3:30 AM to 6:00 AM) can be booked for ₹5000.
• A half-day pooja, Nirmalyam to Ucha Pooja, is priced at ₹12,000.

The temple also allows devotees to purchase various offerings like Aravana, Payasam, and Unniyappam to offer to the deities, including Sree Padmanabha Swamy, Sree Narasimha Swamy, and Sree Krishna Swamy, among others within the temple complex.

Festivals at Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple hosts two major festivals each year—Painkuni in March/April and Alpasi in October/November. In addition to these, the temple also celebrates other important regional and national festivals. Below are the main festivals observed:

• Alpasi Utsavam: A 10-day festival in October/November marked by flag hoisting, daily processions, and the Palliveta and Aarat ceremonies on the final days.
• Painkuni Utsavam: Held in March/April, this festival features the flag hoisting and massive Pandava figures at the temple’s entrance.
• Thiruvonam: Celebrates Lord Padmanabha’s birthday with the offering of wooden bows (Onavillu) to the deities.
• Chingam 1st: The first day of the Malayalam New Year, celebrated with many devotees visiting the temple.
• Vinayaka Chathurthi: Also called Ganesha Chathurthi, special offerings and aarti are performed for Lord Ganesha.
• Ashtami Rohini: Krishna Janmashtami, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birthday with special decorations and rituals.
• Navarathri Pooja: A 9-day festival where Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped, drawing large crowds of devotees.
• Maha Shivarathri: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with special abhishekam rituals in February/March.
• Rama Navami: Marks the birthday of Lord Rama with special prayers in March/April.
• Niraputhari: Sheaves of grain are brought to the temple as offerings, symbolizing the harvest.
• Murajapam: A 56-day-long Vedic chanting ritual held once every six years, culminating in a sacred procession.
• Lakshadeepam: Celebrates the end of Murajapam with the lighting of one lakh oil lamps and a grand procession.

History of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

The exact date of the construction of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is unknown, but historical references to the temple date back to the 9th century. Over time, the temple has seen various renovations and additions, reflecting its rich history and significance.

In the 15th century, palm leaf records mention repairs to the roof of the sanctum sanctorum. Around this time, the Ottakkal Mandapam, a special platform within the temple, was also constructed. Significant renovations were undertaken in the mid-17th century under the rule of King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. He ordered the reconstruction of the sanctum sanctorum and replaced the old idol with a new one made from 12,008 shaligram stones and katu-sharkara, a mixture of sacred herbs.

This new idol was completed in 1739. Additionally, the king added a stone corridor, a grand gate, and a flagstaff to the temple’s structure. A major event in the temple’s history occurred in 1750 when King Marthanda Varma performed the Thrippadidanam ceremony, dedicating his entire kingdom to Lord Padmanabha.

Further additions were made by King Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma in 1758, when he built the Karthika Mandapam, a pillared outdoor hall. In 1820, during Queen Gowri Parvathi Bayi’s reign, the iconic Anantha Shayana mural was painted, adding to the temple’s artistic beauty.

One of the most significant milestones in the temple’s history came in 1936 when Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma issued the Temple Entry Proclamation, known as the Kshethra Praveshan Vilambram, which allowed people from all Hindu castes and communities to enter and worship at the temple. This marked a turning point in promoting inclusivity at this sacred site.

Best Time to Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The summer and monsoon seasons are quite humid, making it uncomfortable to visit the temple during those months. The best time to visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple is during the winter, from October to February, when the weather is more pleasant. During this time, you can comfortably spend a few hours at the temple, enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.

Winter is also when several important festivals are celebrated, allowing you to witness the grandeur of these events firsthand. If you want a special experience, visit during the early hours of Nirmalya Darshanam. Arriving around 3 AM will give you the chance to see the Lord and participate in unique rituals with fewer crowds, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
• Make sure to arrive before the darshan timings, as the visiting hours are strictly followed.
• Even for the VIP queue, it’s advisable to get in line early since it gets longer as the day goes on.
• Keep a close eye on your children to avoid them getting lost in the crowd.
• It’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your visit.
• Remember to store your shoes in the rack located near the main entrance.
• Follow the temple’s strict dress code: men are required to wear a white or off-white dhoti and angavastram.
• Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
• You can carry handbags, but all mobile phones, cameras, and other personal belongings should be stored in the locker room provided.

How to Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple Kerala?

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most ancient and revered temples in Trivandrum, Kerala, is situated right in the city center, making it easy to access. The nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central, and you can reach the temple through local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis available throughout the city. You can also opt for a private cab from leading car rental companies in Kerala for a more comfortable journey.

• By Road: Trivandrum has good road connections with nearby cities. Regular buses run from Coimbatore, Kochi, Madurai, and other nearby towns. You can also catch buses from farther cities like Bangalore and Chennai. The bus stand is just 2 km away from the temple. Alternatively, you can hire a cab or drive to the temple from nearby places like Kovalam and Kanyakumari.
• By Rail: Trivandrum, as Kerala’s capital, has frequent trains from neighboring cities and other distant locations. The Trivandrum Central railway station is located just about 2 km from Padmanabhaswamy Temple, making it very convenient for visitors arriving by train.
• By Air: The city is served by Trivandrum International Airport, which offers direct flights from major Indian cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Kochi. Additionally, international flights are available from Singapore, the Maldives, and several Middle Eastern cities. The airport is only about 4 km away from the temple, making it a quick and easy option for air travelers.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Contact Number

FAQs about Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Who built Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala?
Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built by Raja Marthanda Varma, a ruler of Travancore.

When was Padmanabhaswamy Temple built?
The temple is said to be 5000 years old according to legends. The current temple complex was constructed and renovated in the 17th century.

How was Padmanabhaswamy Temple treasure discovered?
The treasure was discovered when the vaults of the temple were opened by order of the Supreme Court of India. It is the largest collection of ornaments, coins, and other valuable items found in any temple.

What is the value of the treasure in the temple?
Not all vaults have been opened yet, but the value of the discovered treasure is estimated to be around $22 billion, which is about ₹1 lakh crore.

Who owns Padmanabhaswamy Temple treasure?
Although the state government protects the temple and a temple trust manages daily affairs, they do not have rights over the treasure. It belongs to Lord Padmanabha, as it consists of offerings made by kings and devotees over centuries.

What to wear in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Men must wear a mundu/dhoti, and women can wear a saree/dhoti/pavada with a blouse. You can also wrap a dhoti over your clothes to follow the dress code.

Are dresses available on rent?
You can buy a dhoti or saree from nearby shops, and some shops also rent out these dresses.

Are foreigners allowed in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
There are no restrictions based on nationality or place of birth. As long as you follow the Hindu faith and respect Hinduism, you can enter the temple.

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