Thiruvananthapuram Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

Address

Thiruvananthapuram Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023 Phone: 0471 246 4606

Deity

Ananda Padmanabhan, Amman: Sri Hari Laxmi

Introduction

Ithalam is the 76th among the 108 Divya Desams that received the Mangalasasanam of Perumal.
The temple is located in a divine hill country and features an 18-foot-long marvel created by 12,000 windows at Namperumal Italam.
The temple has a seven-tiered tower standing 100 feet tall and is situated close to Padma Tirtha.
The temple porch has pillars carved in black stone, and the inner corridors are adorned with intricately carved sculptures.
The hall near the flagpole has exquisitely sculpted pillars.
The sea sand area in the inner courtyard is a unique and beautiful feature.
Deities inside the temple:
- Yoga Nrusimhan on the south side.
- Hanuman in front of the Sannidhi, whose butter coating remains intact in any season.
- Krishna behind the Sannidhi.
- Lakshmi Varahar Temple and Srinivasa Temple on the south side.
The temple was originally built by Lord Cheraman, who arranged for worship, festivals, and temple administration.
It was renovated 9,000 years ago and later ruled by the Pillamar of Ettu houses and the Ettara Yogam organization.
Marthanda Varma defeated the Pillamar and took control of the temple.
The last major renovation was undertaken by Marthanda Varma, the former Maharaja of Travancore.
In 1686, a fire damaged the original wooden idol, which was replaced in 12008 by a new one using the Ashtapandana compound “Kadusarkara” and dedicated as “Ananthasayana Murthy.”

Puranic Significance

Sage Vilvamangalam Swamigal used to worship Lord Narayana daily.
One day, Lord Narayana playfully disrupted his worship, leading the sage to push him away.
The Lord disappeared, and the sage searched for Him, enduring many hardships.
Upon finding the Lord in a grand Anantha Sayanam form, the sage requested Him to shrink to a size that could be viewed easily.
The Lord granted the request and appeared in a size that could be worshipped through three doors:
- First door: Worship of Lord Shiva.
- Second door: Worship of Brahma on a lotus.
- Third door: Worship of Lord Vishnu’s feet, which grants salvation.
The Lord accepted a simple offering of a salted mango placed in a coconut shell by the sage.
The King of Travancore, upon hearing this, built a temple at the site and consecrated an idol of Padmanabha Swami.
The idol was wrapped in thick gold leaf, which is still preserved today.

Beliefs

Devotees pray at the temple for:
- Removal of obstacles in marriage.
- Blessings for childbirth.
- Good education.

Special Features

In 1750, King Marthanda Varma surrendered his kingdom and wealth to Lord Padmanabhaswamy and ruled as the deity’s servant, adopting the title “Padmanabhadasar.”
Since then, the Travancore royal family has served as custodians of the temple.
The temple has six underground secret chambers.
In 2011, a Supreme Court-ordered panel opened the chambers, revealing:
- A gold statue of Lord Vishnu.
- Precious rare diamonds and gemstones.
- 18 kg of gold jewelry.
- Bags of gold coins.
- Treasures worth over ₹1 lakh crore.

Festivals

Brahmotsavam is celebrated twice a year:
- In Panguni (March-April)
- In Aipasi (October-November)
Laksha Deepam (lighting of one lakh lamps) is celebrated once every 12 years during the 41-day Murai Japa festival.