Many people and tourists visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, because it is a popular religious place. Because of its immortal grandeur, rich history, and deep cultural heritage, this holy place honors Lord Vishnu, mostly known as Ananta Padmanabha. The temple serves religious purposes as well as displays impressive architecture. Knowing Padmanabhaswamy temple timings, which festivals are celebrated there, and the ideal time to visit is very important. You can use this guide to make the best of your trip to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, whether you are coming from India or someplace else.
Overview of Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a worldwide reputation as one of India’s well-known places of worship. The place is located in Thiruvananthapuram’s center, which is significant for those who practice Hinduism. Because of the temple’s incredible architecture and traditional religious tales, it is an essential religious site in India. Due to its rich traditions and spiritual aura, millions of people visit it annually. Lord Padmanabha, the main deity in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, is lying down, and his head rests on a serpent.
One should know the Padmanabhaswamy temple hours before making a visit. Every day, from certain hours, devotees can pray or participate in temple rituals. Mindful of the temple’s opening hours guarantees a good and meaningful visit. Knowing the best time to plan a visit is also necessary since crowds and weather change from season to season. The information given will allow your visit to be unique and meaningful.
History and Significance of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple
In India, Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple was established by Maharaja Marthanda Varma in earlier days, making it a strong holy site. The temple’s story and magnificent building attract worshippers and tourists to Trivandrum each month.
People following Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Mandir think that Lord Maha Vishnu appeared in disguise and saved the Travancore Kingdom from its enemies on many occasions. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple has been in the media lately because of the billions-worth of treasure that was found within its walls, making it a must-visit in Kerala.
According to ancient custom, Chandra (Moon God) and Lord Indra (the king of Devas) worshipped Sree Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram.
Looking inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple will really impress you with its stunning style and mood. The idol in the temple is made from 12,008 ‘Shaligrams,’ a vital material found only near river Gandhaki in Nepal.
Since Padmanabhaswamy Temple is in the center of Trivandrum, it is visited by many and recognized for its popularity. Visitors and pilgrims who visit the temple have plenty of areas to enjoy its atmosphere, say prayers, and discover all parts of the temple.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings
Before going to the Padmanabhaswamy temple, ensure you are aware of the Padmanabhaswamy temple timings. There are set hours every day when the temple is accessible to the public.
Morning Timings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
- 3:30 AM to 4:45 AM
- 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM
- 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- 11:45 AM to 12:00 PM
The Darshan timings for the evening at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple are:
- 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM
- 6:45 PM to 7:20 PM
People can attend the morning rituals starting in the early hours, and the temple will stay open until noon. After closing during the day, it opens again in the evening for the sunset prayers. Beware that the temple can be closed at particular festival times or during religious functions, so confirm the closing hours ahead of your visit.
Festivals at Padmanabhaswamy Temple
All year round, many pilgrims join the festivals arranged at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
1. Painkuni Festival: The festival begins with kodiyettu, a ceremony that signals the start, and special activities are held every day after that. On the ninth day, the leader of the Travancore Royal Family organizes and takes part in the palli vetta (royal hunt) ceremony. The procession to Shanghumugham Beach to submerge the idols is how the festival is concluded.
2. Alpasi Thiruvonam is celebrated to recognize Lord Padmanabhaswamy arriving before the wise Divakara Muni. The festival takes place in Alpasi, the main Malayalam month and the temple’s main event each year.
3. Karthika Deepam is celebrated in November and December and includes burning lamps around the temple. Some Hindu Tamils and Keralites think it is very special, and the festival comes when Kartika is at full moon.
4. Panguni Uthiram, which comes from March to April, honors Lord Padmanabhaswamy’s marriage to Sridevi and Bhudevi. Certain decorations and elaborate rituals help make the temple come alive. Spouses ask their gods for marital peace, happiness at home, and prosperity.
5. The Aadi Pooram festival falls in July–August every year and is for Lord Padmanabhaswamy’s birthday. Grand pujas, bhajans, and abhishekams are especially special at this event. The temple’s grounds are decorated with lights and flowers, and many come to receive kindness from the gods.
Best Time to Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple
October to March is the best time to go to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple because the weather in Thiruvananthapuram is cool and comfortable at this time. The rainy season, lasting from June to September, should be avoided since downpours can disrupt travel plans.
During your trip, attending the Makaravilakku or Navaratri Festivals will give you a truly spiritual experience at the temple. The festivals are colorful and busy, giving people a chance to see age-old customs that show religion and cultural grandeur at once.
Things to Do Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Even though the main attraction is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, there are a few more things to do in the surrounding area:
1. Go to Culture Sites: Visit places of culture and history, such as Kanakakunnu Palace and Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple. Cultural activities in the palace and the temple, built 600 years ago, commemorate the three manifestations of the Chamundi Goddess. These places reveal how people in different cultures have practiced their religions.
2. Go Museum Hopping: See various aspects of the city’s history and artistic talents at the Napier Museum and Sunil’s Wax Museum.
3. Go Shopping in Trivandrum: Dive into the Chalai Market, a busy and popular shopping center. The market is open every hour of the day, and you can find both fresh products and traditional crafts here. With so much excitement and a wide variety of stalls, the market appeals to everyone, including tourists, culture lovers, and people who enjoy taking pictures.
4. Go for a Nature Drive: Take a nature ride to Neyyar Dam, which is about 30 kilometers from Trivandrum. Because it’s in the Western Ghats foothills, you can enjoy lovely views, boat rides, picnics, and fishing. Its beautiful surroundings and kind locals make it an excellent choice for people tire of city life.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Dresscode
A simple dress code is followed in the temple to ensure it remains a holy and traditional site. People who visit the temple should obey these rules for dress.
Women: Women are expected to dress traditionally by wearing pavadas, a blouse, or a skirt, not a saree. Salwar kameez and churidars are now included in the list of acceptable clothing by the administrators. Tights, cami pants, and sleeveless tops are still prohibited. Girls who are younger than twelve are allowed to wear gowns.
Men: Culturally, men should wear more traditional clothing. Most men wear a dhoti (mundu) and sometimes put on an angavastram (upper cloth). Today, it is forbidden to wear shirts and pants in the temple.
Additional Guidelines
Women who wear churidars or salwar kameez must put a dhoti on their legs to be modest. Anyone wearing the wrong clothing can get a dhoti at the temple entrance.
It is important to remember that the temple lets only Hindus inside. It is not allowed to take photographs or bring electronic devices into the temple area.
Hotels in Trivandrum Near Padmanabhaswamy Temple
If you plan to stay near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, there are several convenient hotels in Trivandrum near Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Guests at these hotels can easily get to the temple and stay in peaceful rooms.
- The South Park Hotel: Because it is close to the temple, it is a popular choice because it has modern facilities and comfy rooms.
- KTDC Hotel Samudra: Situated near the temple, this hotel has ample rooms and offers good city views and modern amenities.
- The Residency Tower is a popular hotel where you can enjoy a relaxing stay and are close to the temple after day trips.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Entry Fees and Pooja Charges
Visitors must pay specific fees and levies for poojas or ceremonies held at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The following shows the prices for entry and worshipping at this holy site:
Entry Fees:
- There are no entry fees for visitors.
- Special Darshan costs INR 150.
- Holding the Special Darshan and getting Prasad: INR 180
Pooja Charges:
- The morning Nirmalyam is followed by Uchapooja, a ritual and offering ceremony that comes close to INR 12,000.
- The Nirmalyam to Deeparadhana will cost around INR 3,000.
- The Nirmalyam to Pantheeradi Pooja comes to roughly INR 5000.
- The Udayastamana Pooja is a big and unique pooja done to gain blessings from the gods that is about INR 25,000.
How to Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
One can easily get to this holy temple located in Trivandrum, which is the capital of Kerala. The network of flights, trains, buses, and cars allows the city to be linked to any major place in the country. This makes the path to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple direct and pleasant.
By Air
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is close to Trivandrum International Airport. When they arrive, visitors can use a KSRTC bus, a private bus, a taxi, or an autorickshaw to go to the temple.
By Train
The following are the main railway stations closest to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
- The central railway station in Trivandrum is less than 10 10-minute’ walk from Arappada Hotel.
- The Varkala Railway Station is 42.4 kilometers (1 hour 7 mins) away.
- Kollam Junction is located at a distance of 67 km, and it takes 1 hour 33 mins to reach.
By Road
The nearest bus stand to the temple is Vizhinjam Bus Station, which is just 16 km away, and it is a 30-minute trip.
Both cabs and autorickshaws are available for hire from the airport, train station, and throughout the city at low prices for easy access to the temple.
Buses run by KSRTC and private carriers are near the airport, train station, and many places across the city. You can use these modes of transport at minimal cost.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Padmanabhaswamy temple should be on your itinerary if you seek spiritual understanding. Besides providing spiritual moments, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple also shows you some important parts of Kerala’s culture. The right timings for the Padmanabhaswamy temple will help you appreciate it more. A comfortable and full pilgrimage is possible when you stay at hotels near Padmanabhaswamy temple. You can visit this temple to experience a festival or just to relax in silence because it has something for everyone.
From 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM, you can visit during the morning and in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Grand rituals and processions can be seen during some of the main festivals at the temple, including Navaratri, Makaravilakku, Alpashi, and Thiruvonam.
Thiruvananthapuram’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple can be found in the center of the city. It’s easy to travel to the city by rail, air, and road because it is well-connected.
You should visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple between the months of October and March to enjoy a relaxing time there.
You will find hotels of all types around Padmanabhaswamy temple, so it is easy for pilgrims to book a place to stay.
