Padmanabha

Swami Temple,
Trivandrum
Padmanabha Swami Temple, located in Trivandrum, Kerala, India, is a
significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple's architecture
is a blend of Kerala's traditional style with Dravidian influences, creating a
magnificent and intricate structure. It is believed to have been built in the
18th century.
Introduction to the
Padmanabha Swami
Temple and its Location
Sacred Abode Location
The Padmanabha Swami Nestled in the heart of
Temple is a revered pilgrimage Trivandrum, the capital of
site for Hindus, housing the Kerala, the temple is situated
deity Lord Vishnu in his reclining amidst bustling city life yet
form. It is believed to be one of exudes a serene and spiritual
the richest temples in the world. aura.
 Outer Precinct
Zoning of Sri The temple is surrounded by a high wall, forming the outermost
enclosure. It houses various structures like the gopuram (tower),
Padmanabha Swami mandapams (halls), and shrines dedicated to other deities.

Temple Inner Precinct

Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha): The innermost chamber

houses the deity in a reclining posture, known as the
“Anantha Shayanam” posture. The idol of Lord
Padmanabhaswamy is made of a special combination of
materials, including a mixture of herbs and stones known as
“Katu-Sarkara-Yogam.” The deity is about 18 feet long and
can be viewed through three doors—one showing the head
and chest, the second revealing the hands, and the third the
[Link] Vaults: The temple is famous for its
underground vaults, some of which are located in the inner
precincts. These vaults contain immense treasures, including
gold, jewels, and precious artifacts. Vault B remains
unopened and is believed to hold untold riches, but it is also
considered sacred and mysterious.
 Temple gateway

Golden post

Southern court
Ayappa temple
Sanctum

Main deity
Northern court
Temple keeper

Thiruvambadi Sri krishna temple

Western court

entrance
 INTERIOR
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is
renowned for its intricate architecture and rich history. Some of the notable
interior details of the temple are :
[Link] DEITY:
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in a reclining
posture on the serpent Ananthashayana. This idol is made of a special
mixture of 108 different kinds of herbs and minerals
2. STYLE :
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, characterized by its
towering gopurams (gateway towers) and intricate carvings. The main
sanctum sanctorum (sree kumaram) is adorned with beautiful sculptures and
murals.
3. SCULPTURES AND CARVINGS:
The temple features numerous detailed sculptures depicting various deities,
mythological stories, and intricate floral patterns. The craftsmanship Ananthasayanam
showcases the artistic skills of the artisans from that era . Lord Vishnu’s Ananthasayanam idol
4. THE TEMPLE COMPLEX : is the most sacred spot inside the
The temple complex has several shrines dedicated to different deities, each temple. The idol is said to be made
with unique architectural styles and decorations. The inner courtyard is of over 12,000 Salagrama stones
spacious and surrounded by beautifully carved pillars. and Kattusarkkara (a mixture of
herbs).
5. PILLARED HALL:
The temple has a hall with numerous ornate pillars, each
intricately carved, which leads to the main shrine. The pillars
are adorned with images of gods and goddesses, floral
designs, and other symbolic motifs.
6. ANAKKOTTIL:
This area is where the elephant, a symbol of the temple, is
kept. Elephants hold significant cultural importance in Kerala
and are often associated with temple festivals.
7. GOLD AND TREASURES:
The temple is also famous for its hidden treasures, which
include gold, jewels, and artifacts of immense value,
discovered in the various vaults of the temple.
8. LIGHTING AND ATMOSPHERE :
The temple has a serene and spiritual atmosphere, enhanced
by the use of oil lamps and traditional lighting, which creates
a mystical ambiance. Visitors to the temple are often
captivated by its architectural beauty and spiritual
significance, making it a prominent pilgrimage site in India.
Kulasekhara Mandapam
Also known as Aayiramkaal Mandapam or the Sapthaswara Mandapam, the Kulasekhara
Mandapam is supported by 28 balustrades. The pillars, which are adorned with exquisitely
crafted figures, produce musical notes when tapped.
Stone Mandapams
There are 11 Mandapams in the temple and a few at the
Padmatheertham pond.
Ottakkal Mandapam
Ottakkal Mandapam (a platform made of a single stone), which is in front of the
sanctum sanctorum, is used to perform Abhishekams to the deity. Its stone pillars are
covered with gold.
Padmatheertham pond
Perhaps the most famous pond in the state, the Dhwaja Stambham
Padmatheertham, is one of the many water bodies deemed The 80ft golden flagpole is near the eastern corridor. The
sacred. It's also located on the eastern side. pole was made of teak wood and later fully covered with
Sreebalippura gold. Garuda Swami, the sacred bird who carries Lord
Sreebalippura is a rectangular corridor built of stone. The Vishnu when he travels, is carved on the top of the pole.
Sreebali procession is taken through the Sreebalippura. It is
believed that around 10,000 labourers and over 100
elephants worked for six months to construct this corridor. It
is supported by 365 pillars and a quarter of a pillar.
•1. Sanctum Sanctorum
•2. Sreekrishnaswamy Temple
•3. Gopuram
•4. Sreebalippura
•5. Padmatheertham
•6. Kuthiramalika
•7. Eastern Entrance
•8. Western Entrance
•9. Kalmandapams
•10. Residential Buildings
•11. East Fort
 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
It is a hindu temple dedicated to lord vishnu in [Link] is one of the
108 Divya Desams which are considered the sacred abodes of Vishnu in the Sri
Vaishnava [Link] temple is built in fusion of Kerala style and the Dravidian
style of architecture featuring high walls and a 16th century gopuram.

Deity:Vishnu and Lakshmi

Origin:It is believed that the original temple was built by the Chera Dynasty one of
the principal ruling Dynasties of South India at the time and some others say it was
established on the first day of Kali Yuga,which is over 5000 years ago.

The temple is one of India’s costliest temples,with an estimated value of more than
Rs 1,00,000 crore for its gold,gems,and statues.
There are a total 6 vaults marked from A to F.5 out of 6 have been opened as of
[Link] A and B store extensive gold treasures.C and D have gold and silver Vault B
jewellery.
Vault B was unable to open by the supreme court at [Link] committee opened
a metal-grille door and a wooden door and finally an iron door that was jammed
[Link] 2020 the Supreme court refused to permit the opening of the vault due to
religious sentiments. It was sealed to protect the treasure with Naga Paasam
mantras chanted by the highest religious head during the time of King Marthanda
Varma.
Renovations are done several times over the centuries by different rulers and [Link] present structure
is believed to have been rebuilt and expanded during the reign of Travancore dynasty in the 18th century.

Before and After renovations

1907 temple view

Non hindus and non Indians are not permitted [Link] most Indians
getting access to the temple is relatively recent.
Other dresses than dhoti and sarees are not allowed to wear and enter the
temple,if people wear other dresses like churidar,jeans etc should rent dhoti
or saree from outside the temple.

The mystery behind the last door

People believe that if the last door is opened, it might make the God
[Link] the door it’s snake God,there’s a belief that the chamber’s
door is guarded bt the snake God and can only be opened by sadhus who
know the ‘Garuda Mantra’.

Temple treasure includes a collection of valuable objects also gold

thrones,crowns,coins,statues and ornaments,diamonds,and other precious
stones.
 EXTERIO
R
• Gopuram
(Tower):
The temple features a towering gopuram (entrance tower) that
stands approximately 100 feet tall.

• Sanctum Sanctorum (Sree

Kovil):
The inner sanctum, which houses the idol of Padmanabha, is
built in a rectangular form with dimensions that vary based on
the specific architectural features but is typically around 25 feet
by 30 feet.
Materia
ls
• The temple is primarily constructed of granite and laterite stone, giving
it a robust and durable structure. The intricate carvings and sculptures
are made from these materials.
• Some parts of the temple, including doors and certain ceilings, are
made from locally sourced hardwood, featuring elaborate carvings.
• The temple’s roof is adorned with copper plates, which are significant
in both aesthetic and cultural aspects.
Carving
• Thes:
exterior showcases intricate carvings
depicting various deities, mythological
scenes, and floral patterns.
 Column
s
• The temple boasts a number of beautifully carved stone columns,
particularly in the corridor surrounding the sanctum.
• It has a corridor with 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone
pillars with elaborate carvings which stands out to be an ultimate
testimonial for the Vishvakarma sthapathis in sculpting this architectural
masterpiece. This corridor extends from the eastern side into the
sanctum sanctorum.
• The temple's periphery has carved pillars that are part-stone and part-
wood
Sculpted pillars in temple's passageway
• Architectural Grandeur: The temple is a fine example of Dravidian style
architecture combined with Kerala's indigenous architectural features. Its tall,
ornate gopuram (tower) is a major highlight, towering over the city and richly
adorned with intricate carvings.
• Deity of Ananthashayana Vishnu : The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in
his reclining pose, known as "Ananthashayana" on the five-headed serpent,
Ananta. The massive idol, made of 12,000 shaligram stones, is around 18
feet long. This unique form of Vishnu is rarely seen in other temples.
• Vaults and Hidden Treasures : The temple is known worldwide
for its hidden underground vaults (called "kallaras")
containing immense treasures. Vault B remains unopened, while
others have revealed an astonishing array of gold, silver, and
precious stones valued in the billions. This treasure adds a
mysterious and divine aura to the temple.
• Strict Rituals and Dress Code :The temple follows strict
traditions and rituals. Only Hindus are allowed entry, and
visitors must adhere to a specific dress code: men wear a dhoti,
and women wear a sari or traditional attire. Non-adherence is
not permitted.
• Rich History :The temple has a long history, with references in
scriptures and royal records dating back to the 8th century CE.
It was closely associated with the Travancore royal family, who
considered themselves servants of the deity. The king still holds
the title "Padmanabha Dasa" (Servant of Lord Padmanabha)
• Seven Enclosures (Saptaprakaram): The temple's layout
consists of seven enclosures or layers, representing various
levels of spiritual attainment. Devotees pass through these
symbolic layers before reaching the sanctum.

Mystical and Divine Significance: The temple is associated with

various mystical legends and beliefs, including the idea that the
deity’s right hand rests over a Shiva Lingam, symbolizing the
unity of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
 Thank you
| AMANA SHIFA | ANWEETHA SWITHIN | AMINA N | ANGEL EMMANUEL | FATHIMA THASNIM | SREERAM A