Discover one of the most important historic and pilgrimage landmarks of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, renowned for its sacred traditions, distinctive Kerala-Dravidian architecture and reclining form of Lord Padmanabhaswamy.
Explore Temple Location & TravelA major heritage and pilgrimage landmark in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located inside the historic East Fort area of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted reclining on the serpent Anantha.
The temple is particularly known for its distinctive combination of Kerala and Dravidian architectural traditions. Its stone work, sculptures, murals, corridors and traditional temple features make it an important cultural landmark of the city.
The temple is also associated with the Divya Desam tradition and is regarded as one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples. The city itself derives its name from Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.
East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695023.
Lord Padmanabhaswamy, represented in a reclining posture on Anantha.
A distinctive blend of Kerala and Dravidian temple architecture.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station – approximately 1 km.
Trivandrum International Airport – approximately 6 km.
8.483026° N, 76.943563° E
Centuries of religious, architectural and Travancore heritage.
The history of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is traditionally associated with ancient Vaishnava worship. Kerala Tourism notes that the temple's history reaches back to the 8th century and that references to the shrine occur in traditional religious literature.
The temple is associated with the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu temples praised in the devotional works of the Tamil Azhvars. The presiding deity is worshipped as Lord Padmanabhaswamy in the Anantha Shayanam posture.
The temple underwent major renovation and received its present architectural character during the reign of Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore. The temple became closely connected with the political and cultural history of the Travancore kingdom.
In 1750, Maharaja Marthanda Varma dedicated the kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha. This act is known as Thrippadidanam. Following this tradition, the ruler and later members of the royal family were associated with the title Padmanabha Dasa, meaning servant of Lord Padmanabha.
The temple presents an important combination of Kerala and Dravidian architectural traditions. Visitors can see detailed stone carvings, murals, sculptures and traditional temple structures. The eastern approach is notable for its long corridor decorated with carved granite pillars.
The principal image of Lord Padmanabhaswamy is depicted reclining on the serpent Anantha. Traditional descriptions associate the image with thousands of Salagrama stones brought from the Gandaki River region of Nepal.
Padma Theertham is the sacred temple tank located close to the temple. It forms an important part of the traditional sacred landscape surrounding the shrine.
The temple continues to be an important centre of worship and heritage in Thiruvananthapuram. Its festivals, rituals, architecture and association with Travancore history contribute to the cultural identity of the city.
Important information to know before visiting.
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning | 03:30 AM – 04:45 AM |
| Morning | 06:30 AM – 07:00 AM |
| Morning | 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Morning | 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM |
| Morning | 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening | 05:00 PM – 06:15 PM |
| Evening | 06:45 PM – 07:20 PM |
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple follows a traditional dress code for entry.
Entry is governed by the temple's religious access rules. Kerala Tourism states that only Hindus are permitted inside the temple.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is situated in the East Fort area of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Address:
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple,
East Fort,
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala – 695023.
Latitude: 8.483026
Longitude: 76.943563
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is approximately 1 km from the temple. Auto-rickshaw, taxi and local transport are available around the railway station.
Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 6 km from the temple.
The temple is located within central Thiruvananthapuram and can be reached by taxi, cab, auto-rickshaw and local road transport.
Experience the spiritual and architectural heritage around East Fort.
Experience the traditional worship associated with Lord Vishnu in the reclining Anantha Shayanam posture.
Observe the distinctive combination of Kerala and Dravidian architectural traditions.
The temple corridor is noted for its detailed granite pillars and traditional craftsmanship.
Traditional murals, stone sculptures and artistic details add to the temple's heritage.
Visit the sacred temple tank located near the shrine.
Explore the historic East Fort surroundings and nearby heritage attractions of Thiruvananthapuram.
Thiruvananthapuram can be visited throughout the year. For a more comfortable sightseeing experience, many travellers prefer the cooler months from October to February.
Plan your visit according to the temple's worship schedule and festival calendar. During festival periods, timings and crowd conditions may vary.
Morning hours can be convenient for combining the temple area with other East Fort and central Thiruvananthapuram attractions.
Dress appropriately before reaching the temple because traditional dress requirements apply for entry.
A historic palace and museum located near the East Fort area and associated with the Travancore royal heritage.
Explore the historic fort area surrounding the temple and experience the heritage character of central Thiruvananthapuram.
The sacred temple tank situated close to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
A popular cultural and museum attraction in Thiruvananthapuram suitable for a city sightseeing itinerary.
A major city attraction that can be combined with the museum area during a full-day tour.
A famous coastal destination that can be included in a longer Thiruvananthapuram sightseeing plan.
A practical one-day city sightseeing plan starting with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Start the day with temple visit and traditional darshan, subject to the applicable worship schedule and entry rules.
Explore the historic surroundings and the sacred temple tank area.
Continue to the nearby palace heritage attraction and learn about Travancore history.
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a suitable restaurant in Thiruvananthapuram.
Explore Kerala's art, cultural heritage and historical collections.
Drive through important heritage and city areas before heading towards the coast.
End the day with a relaxing coastal visit if road and weather conditions permit.
Temple and Thiruvananthapuram sightseeing visuals.
Find the temple location in East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram.
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Common questions about Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
The temple is located in the East Fort area of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Published worship sessions include 03:30–04:45 AM, 06:30–07:00 AM, 08:30–10:00 AM, 10:30–11:10 AM, 11:45 AM–12:00 PM, 05:00–06:15 PM and 06:45–07:20 PM. Timings can change during festivals.
Yes. A traditional dress code applies. Men generally need to wear a mundu or dhoti, while women may wear traditional permitted attire such as sari or mundum neriyathum.
Kerala Tourism states that only Hindus are permitted inside the temple. Visitors should follow the current rules issued by the temple authorities.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is approximately 1 km from the temple.
Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 6 km from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Yes. The temple can be combined with East Fort, Kuthiramalika Palace, museum attractions and, depending on time, Kovalam Beach.
Explore Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and other Kerala destinations with a comfortable private cab and customized South India tour itinerary.
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