Anantha padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located near the East Fort in Trivandrum in Kerala is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Maintained by the former Travancore Royal Family, the temple is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams (Holy Abodes) which are important centres of worship for devotees of Lord Vishnu.

The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple was constructed in the 18th century, following the Dravidian style of architecture and the idol of Lord Vishnu, the principal idol is in the "Ananta-Sayanam" position (Vishnu in the everlasting sleep of Yoga Nindra). This temple has a significant importance to the city, and in fact the city got its name from this temple. Thiru- Anant – Puram means the "Abode of Lord Anantha Padmanabha”.

The history of the temple goes back to the 8th century, It is believed that there are references of this temple in the four Puranas, namely the Brahma, Vayu, Varaha and Padma. 8th century poet, Nammalvar wrote four slokas and one phalasruthi about this temple in his writings.

The royal family who ruled the Travancore state till 1947 shared a very special bond with this temple. The Travancore kinds considered themselves to be "Padmanabha-dasa” (Servant of Lord Padmanabha), and this tradition still continues. Unlike the traditional temples in Kerala, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, belonging to Ancient Tamils has a very different architecture.

In June 2011, the Supreme Court ordered a review of the temple’s underground vaults, as it was belied that the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple could be among one of the richest temples in India. On July 2nd 2011 gold, jewels and gold coins worth approximately Rs. 500 billion were discovered in the secret chambers in the basement of the temple. It is believed that the local rulers, most recently being the Travancore maharajas stored enormous wealth, sealed in by thick stones, as an offering to Lord Vishnu.

The treasure that has been unearthed also includes a golden idol of Mahavishnu, and golden coconut shells studded with emeralds and rubies. The Kerala High Court had ordered that security be tightened around the temple after the discovery. It is believed that this treasure has been lying in the temple for more than 100 years, after the maharajas placed it there.

These findings have made the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple the richest temple in India after the, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh; The Golden Temple in Punjab and the Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine in Maharashtra, and if an antique value is to be taken into account the treasure will be worth 10 times higher than the current market price.

Other main festivals celebrated at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Kalabham – 8th to 14th January – Makaraseeveli at 08:30 PM Perunthiramruthu Pooja
Painguni Uthsavam – March – April – 10th day Arattu
Vishu – 14th April – Vishu Kani Darshan at 05:00 am
Kalabham – 11th to 16th July – Karkkidaka Seeveli Perunthiramruthu Pooja
Niraputhari – July to August
Thiruonam – Onavillucharth (Onavillu) August – September
Vinayaka Chaturthi – held at Agrasala – August – September
Sree Krishna Jayanti – Ashtami Rohini – August – September
Valiya Ganapathi Homam – 12 days annually – September – October
Navaratri – September – October
Aippashi Uthsavam – October – November – 10 days Arattu
Swargavathil Ekadasi – December.

Prime Attractions of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. more..
Varkala Beach
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.