Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram:

This is the more famous Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, the cosmic preserver god, enshrined in the Anantashayana posture (eternal yogic sleep) on his serpent mount Shesha. The temple is widely considered the richest temple in the world, and is intricately linked to the history of the Travancore royal family.

The temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and its towering gopuram (gateway) is a prominent landmark in the city. Here’s a closer look:

Image of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Architectural Style: The temple is a fusion of Kerala and Dravidian styles, featuring high walls, intricate carvings, and a gold-plated flagstaff.
Deity: The principal deity is Padmanabhaswamy (reclining Vishnu) however, the temple complex houses various other shrines.
Significance: The temple is a significant Vaishnavite pilgrimage site and is part of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Vishnu. It is also a major cultural and historical landmark in Kerala.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Pudukottai:

This Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a lesser-known one. It is located within the Kulattur taluk of Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu, India. Here’s some information:

Architectural Style: The temple has rock-cut architecture with two separate cave temples – one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu.
Deity: The temple enshrines Lord Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha.
Significance: The temple is considered one out of the 108 Divya Desams and is an important pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.

Special Interest Tours

East India Tours

West India Tours

here are some sightseeing places you can visit near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram:

East Fort (around the temple complex): A historical neighborhood surrounding the temple complex. Here, you can wander through narrow alleys lined with shops selling souvenirs, spices, Kerala handicrafts, and traditional attire.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (1.2 km): This 19th-century palace, located close to the temple, now houses a museum showcasing artifacts and collections related to the Travancore royal family. The museum displays include royal portraits, jewelry, costumes, musical instruments, and archaeological finds.
Napier Museum (3.2 km): A premier museum in Kerala, Napier Museum houses a diverse collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, and natural history specimens. It also has a section dedicated to the history of Kerala and the Travancore royal family.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery (3.3 km): This art gallery showcases a collection of paintings by renowned Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma and works by European artists. It also has a section dedicated to traditional Kerala mural paintings.
Shanghumugham Beach (3.5 km): A popular beach destination, Shanghumugham Beach offers scenic views of the Arabian Sea. Here you can relax on the golden sands, take a refreshing dip in the sea, enjoy water sports activities, or explore the nearby lighthouse.