Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Famous Hindu Temple of Trivandrum

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is one of the most important religious sites of Kerala and is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state. This capital city derives its name from the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, also known as Anantha- one who rests on the Serpent Ananatha. Thus, the name 'Thiruvananthapuram' literally means ‘the land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy’.
It is a Mahavishnu Temple and is also considered as one of the seven Parasurama temples found in the state of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is placed at this temple in the Anananthasayanam posture, while lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake. History The history of this temple dates back to 8th century. The temple is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples or Divya Desams, which can be found in India. The meaning of the word ‘Divya Desam’ is the holy abode o Lord Vishnu, which is mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars or saints. Marthanda Varma, one of the renowned Travancore kings did a major renovation of the temple, which has resulted in the present day structure of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. He also introduced the Murajapam and the Bhadra Deepam festivals of the temple. Murajapam is followed in this temple and is conducted once in six years. The literal meaning of the word ‘Murajapam’ is ‘continuous chanting of prayers’. The Idol The idol of the deity presiding in this temple is popularly known for its composition, which has 12008 salagramams, which were brought to this place from the banks of Gandhaki River in Nepal. The garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum of this temple is placed on a stone slab and the chief idol, which is around 18 ft long. The different parts of the idol can be sighted form three different doors of the temple. From the first door, the head and the chest of the idol can be viewed; the hands can be viewed from the second door and the feet from the third door. As you watch the entire idol from a close distance, you will notice that the chief deity’s right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. The two Goddess, Sridevi the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth are also seen by the sides of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma is also shown emanating from the Lord’s navel. Festivals The Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple celebrates two chief annual festivals which are celebrated with lots of vigor and religious devotion. One of this festival involves a grand procession that includes three deities like Sree Padmanabha, Narasimha Swamy and Lord Krishna, who are carried on beautifully decorated Garuda Vahanas towards Shankhumukhom beach for Aaraattu. Navratri is another major annual festival of this temple, during which the idols of Saraswathi, Durga, and Murukan are taken out in a grand procession to the Kuthira malika palace in front of Sree Padmanabha temple. This festival also includes the renowned Swathi Music Festival. How to Reach By Road: The temple is easily accessible through road from Thiruvananthapuram. By Rail: The nearest railway station to this temple is Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, located at a distance of just 1 km. By Airport: The nearest airport to this temple is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is also closely located at a distance of just 6 km.