Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a magnificent temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the holiest temples for Hindus in India. The temple is known for its intricate architecture, impressive sculptures and beautiful paintings that attract visitors from all over the world.
The history of Padmanabhaswamy temple dates back to the 8th century, when the temple was built by the Chera dynasty. The temple has been renovated and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The present structure of the temple was built in the 18th century by the Travancore kings, who were great devotees of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is located in the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram and covers an area of about 2.5 hectares. The temple is built in the traditional style of Kerala architecture and has a gopuram (tower) that has a height of 100 feet. The temple is surrounded by a huge stone wall and the main entrance is through a large wooden gate.
The temple has several shrines dedicated to different deities, but the main deity of the temple is Lord Padmanabhaswamy. The idol of the Lord is made of a rare combination of 12008 Salagrama stones and is about 18 feet long. The Lord is depicted in a reclining position on the divine serpent Anantha. The idol is considered one of the largest in India and is adorned with gold and precious stones.
The temple is also known for its murals that decorate the walls of the temple. The murals depict scenes from Hindu mythology and are painted in bright colors with natural dyes. The murals are a feast for the eyes of art lovers and are a testament to the skill of the artists who painted them.
The temple is also known for its underground vaults, which were discovered in 2011. The vaults contain a huge treasure chest of gold, silver and precious stones estimated to be worth billions of dollars. The discovery of the vaults has made the temple one of the richest temples in India.
The temple is also known for its annual festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). The festival is known as Panguni Uthiram and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and pageantry, and the idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy is carried out in a grand procession.
The temple has a strict dress code, and visitors are required to wear traditional clothing. Men must wear mundu (dhoti) and angavastram (upper cloth), and women must wear saree or traditional clothing. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premises.
In conclusion, Padmanabhaswamy temple is a magnificent temple that shows the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple is known for its intricate architecture, stunning sculptures, beautiful paintings and a huge treasury. The temple is a must visit for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of India.
