Padmanabha Temple

The Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is Thiruvananthapuram's holiest shrine. Its origins are shrouded in legend due to the deep antiquity of the sacred precinct. A 9th century poet sang the praises of the temple while its continuous popularity is reflected by the thousands of devotees who gather for daily devotions. The present structure of the sanctuary was created under the rule of King Bala Marthanda Varma who rebuilt the temple and installed statues of Padmanabha, Lakshmi Devi and Bhumi Devi. Constructed from 1729 to 1733, the building is a fusion of Kerala and Dravidian styles rendering it a perfect example of South Indian architecture.

The temple is a rich repository of ancient works of art whilst stone and bronze sculptures, wood carvings and murals adorn the interior. Among its most valuable murals which depict legendary and historic incidences is a painting dating back to the 14th century. The various inscriptions in the shrine record its proud history while the awe-inspiring seven story “gopuram” reflects its grandeur.

Three daily services are offered to the gods throughout the year. The first “puja” commences at 4 am and is followed by the second at 11 am while the final service is held at 6 pm. The Siveli Procession which carries the idols of the deities in great pomp is a religious display that should not be missed. In addition, the temple also celebrates special annual festivals held in October and March. The ten-day long celebrations are colorful, vibrant events portraying the rich and ancient traditions of Southern India.

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