Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: History, Timing & Location

The origin of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is unknown. It is not possible to say with certainty when and who established this temple. This temple is mentioned in the epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatam states that Balarama visited this temple, bathed in Padmatheertham and made many offerings.

Nammalvar, a 9th-century poet and one of the 12 Vaishnava saints, has composed ten hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Dr. L.A. Ravi Varma, a famous scholar of Travancore, believed that this temple was established on the first day of Kali Yuga, which is more than 5000 years old.

Stories of the temple have been passed down through generations. One of these stories is written on an ancient palm leaf and is also found in the famous text “Anantasayana Mahatmya”. According to it, it was established by Diwakar Muni, a Tulu Brahmin monk. The idol was restored in the 950th year of Kali Yuga. In the 960th year of Kali Yuga, King Kotha Marthandan built the Abhisravana Mandapam.

Story according to Anantasayana Mahatmya

Diwakar Muni was a great Vishnu devotee. One day, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a cute child and attracted the attention of the Muni. The Muni requested the child to stay with him; the child laid a condition that if the Muni insulted him, he would disappear. The Muni gladly accepted the condition. One day, when the Muni was in meditation, the child put the Shalagram in his mouth and the Muni got angry. The child immediately disappeared saying, “If you want to see me again, come to Ananthankadu”. The Muni understood that it was Lord Vishnu and set out in search of him.

Finally, the Muni reached a forest near the seashore and saw the child absorbed in a huge Illappa tree. The tree fell into the ground and transformed into Sri Maha Vishnu with his head at Tiruvallam and feet at Thrippapuram. On the Muni’s prayers, the Lord compressed his idol to three times the length of the monk’s yoga danda. The Muni offered raw mangoes in a coconut shell, which are offered even today.

Other beliefs

Another belief about the temple’s establishment is that it was established by the famous Namboothiri monk Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar. Swamiyar was also a Vishnu devotee and humbly offered raw mangoes to the Lord. Even today, a Namboothiri Brahmin monk performs the morning Pushpanjali in the temple.

The temple’s ancient history and the tradition of Pushpanjali Swamiyar, who are part of the “Ettara Yogam,” prove its antiquity and its recognition as an important religious place.

Important events

• The temple was rebuilt and the management reorganized in 1050 AD.
• In 1459-1460 AD, the idol was placed in a ‘balalaya’ for reconstruction.
• In 1566 AD, the foundation of the gopuram at the main eastern entrance was laid.
• In 1686 AD, the temple was almost destroyed in a major fire.
• In 1729, the great ruler Marthanda Varma rebuilt the temple.
• Between 1724-1730 AD, the idol in the temple was replaced with the one seen today.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timing for Darshan:

Morning hours:

• 03:30 AM to 04:45 AM (Nirmalya Darshanam)
• 06:30 AM to 07:00 AM
• 8.30 AM to 10:00 AM
• 10:30 AM to 11:10 AM
• 11:45 AM to 12:00 Noon

Evening hours:

• 05:00 PM to 06:15 PM
• 06:45 PM to 07:20 PM

Important Information for Visiting the Temple

Please note that temple worship timings might change during festivals.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple Dress Code 2024:

• Entry Restrictions: Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
• For Men: Men must wear a mundu or dhoti (wrapped around the waist and extending to the heels). Shirts of any kind are not allowed.
• For Women: Women should wear a sari, mundum neriyathum (set-mundu), skirt and blouse, or half sari.

Dhoti rentals are available at the temple entrance. Nowadays, temple authorities allow devotees to wear dhotis over pants or churidars for convenience.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Contact Details:

• Ph No: 0471 2450233
• Email: mathilakamofficespst@gmail.com, 
• catoeospst@gmail.com

How to Reach the Temple?

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is just 4 km away from the temple.

By Train:

• The closest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, located only 1 km from the temple.

By Road:

• The temple is well-connected by road, with the KSRTC Bus Station in Thiruvananthapuram situated just 1 km away. You can easily reach the temple by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from there.

In brief

The history of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its religious beliefs prove its antiquity and significance. This temple is not only a marvel of architecture but also a major center of religious faith, where devotees receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.