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Temple Timing : Opening & Closing

Timing of Darshan at Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Entry Fee

There are three options to enter the temple.

Free Entry Entry to the temple is free of cost. Stand in the Darshanam queue. Typically it can take anything from 30 min to 1hr 30 minutes before you get the Darshanam.

Entry with Pooja Ticket Buy a regular Vazhipad (Pooja/Offering) ticket. You'll get priority entry. Typically ₹250 or ₹500 ticket will get you (2 people) a priority entry compared to the general queue. Also included in the ticket are the Prasadam (like Payasam/Kheer). The queue will merge into one with the general queue once you are inside the sanctorum area.

Suvarna Darshanam This is the most expensive and special prayer at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Suvarna Darshanam entry is from 7.30PM to 8PM, after the general entry time and just before the temple is closed for the day.

Suvarna Darshanam fee is ₹20,000. Five people can enter in one ticket. The ticket can be bought from the counter or online from the temple's portal.

You can take the Darshanam from the legendary Ottakkal Mandapam, the most significant location in front of the Sreekovil to take Darshanam. The devotee will receive a Prasadam and sacred souvenirs as part of Suvarna Darshanam fee.

Other relatively less expensive Vazhipad compared to Suvarna Darshanam also has privileged entry to the temple.
Special Entry to Padmanabhaswamy Temple : Fee & Timing

Vazhipad dedicated to Sree Padmanabha Swamy

Sub Shrines inside Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple temple ahas many sub shrines inside the main temple complex. The Sree Krishna Swamy temple is the biggest temple in side.

You can offer pooja and Vazhipad at these shrines separately.

Sree Narasimha Swamy(ശ്രീ നരസിംഹ സ്വാമി)
Sree Krishna Swamy(ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ സ്വാമി)
Sree Sastha(ശ്രീ ശാസ്താവ്)
Sree Mahaganapathy(ശ്രീ മഹാഗണപതി)
Sree Hanuman Swamy( ശ്രീ ഹനുമാൻ സ്വാമി)
Veda Vyasar(വേദവ്യാസർ)
Sreerama Swamy(ശ്രീരാമ സ്വാമി)

Attractions inside Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Idol of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is made up of twelve thousand and eight (12008) Salagramas and a herbal compound called 'Katusarkara yogam'. This ayurvedic compound contains 108 elements brought from all over India.

Salagramas were collected & brought from the Gandaki Riverbed in Nepal. Salagramas represent Maha Vishnu. This Temple gains the greatness and sanctity of a thousand great temples.

Inside the shrine , Lord Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord's right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam.

Sridevi-Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side.

Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel. The name Padmanabha is associated with this aspect of Vishnu. 'Padma' means, lotus and 'nabha' denotes navel.

Shiva
It's rare to see Lord Shiva idol inside a Vishnu Temple or vice versa. The presence of Shiva within the sacrum santorum adds significance of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Many other areas of the Temple are adorned with the images of Lord Shiva.

Ottakkal Mandapam
The Ottakkal Mandapam in malayalam literally translates to platform with a monolithic slab (single stone ). The Mandapam (pavilion) is in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy. The slab of granite is two and a half feet thick and twenty feet square.

The Abhishekams to Sree Padmanabhaswamy are performed in this Mandapam. The granite pillars of Ottakkal Mandapam are covered with gold.

Only the King of Travancore may prostrate on the "Ottakkal Mandapam".

It is traditionally held that anybody who prostrates on the mandapam has surrendered all that he possesses to the Deity. Since the ruler has already done that, he is permitted to prostrate on this mandapam.

Three Doors of the Sreekovil

The Sreekovil ( sanctum Sanctorum) of Padmanabhaswamy has three doors, all facing the east. From outside, no one can see the idol in full length. The deity is visible through three doors.

First Door: The visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath his hand is seen through the first door;
Second Door:Sridevi and Bhrigu Muni, Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel, gold abhisheka moorthies of Padmanabha, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthy of Padmanabha is seen through the second door.
Third Door: Lord's feet, and Bhudevi and Markandeya Muni through the third door.

The idols of two goddesses holding chamaram, Garuda, Narada, Tumburu, the divine forms of the six weapons of Vishnu, Surya, Chandra, the Saptarshi, Madhu, and Kaitabha are also in the Sanctum.

Abhisravana Mandapam
This structure is in front of the Ottakkal Mandapam but outside the Cherruchuttu containing the sanctum sanctorum. Special poojas related with Temple festivals are performed here. Devotees use this Mandapam for meditation and prayer.

Kulasekhara Mandapam
This is an architecturally thrilling pavilion made of granite.

This pavilion is also known as Aayiram Kaal Mandapam ('Thousand Stone Pavilion ') and Saptaswara Mandapam ('Seven Musical Notes Pavilion').

The pavilion is supported by by 28 balustrades of pillars. The pillars on the four corners can produce musical notes when tapped. The pillars are adorned with exquisitely carved figures in half and full relief.

Apart from Kulasekhara Mandapam & Abhisravana Mandapam, there are 9 other mandapams in the Temple. And 8 mandapams are around the Padmatheertham pond.

Dhwaja Stambham

An eighty feet high flagstaff near the eastern corridor was installed by Anizham Thirunal in 1730 AD. A teak wood pole for its construction was carried from the nearby forest to the Temple. As per Shastras the wood should not touch the ground while in transport. It was brought so for the installation.

The teak pole is covered with gold plate. The apex of the Dhwaja Stambham has a figure of Garuda, in kneeling posture, facing Lord Vishnu.

Nine Entrances
Padmanabhaswamy Temple has nine entrances, denoting the nine orifices of the human body. The primary entrance through the east, through the imposing Gopuram.

Gopuram
The Temple has a seven storeyed Chola style Gopuram built on the eastern entrance. This stucco filled structure is a fine example of Chola architecture, exclusively used Dravidian temples.

The Gopuram is about 35m heigh. On the top there are 7 golden domes suggesting pointers to the seven Worlds.

The 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu are portrayed inside the first storey of the Gopuram.

The other three entrances are double storied Padippura (doorways) in typical Kerala Style.

Arguably this Gopuram is the most photographed backdrop of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Sreebalippura This is a rectangular covered corridor built of stone circumambulating the main shrines.

Sreebalippura is through the Vahanams are taken out during Sreebali (ritual procession of lords image).

Records say that 4000 stone artisans, 6000 laborers and 100 elephants worked for a period of 6 months to finish the construction of the Sreebalippura. The master artisan Ananthapadmanabha Moothassari was in charge of the work.

Sreebalippura is supported by 365 and a one quarter of pillars. Each pillar is a monolith.

Theerthams Theerthams refers to Sacred water resources in the temple.
The Temple has a large number of sacred water resources, some situated even far away from the Temple.

The main Theertham is called Padmatheertham (Lotus Pond), located on the eastern side of the Temple.

It's customary to take bath in this Theertham before entering the temple. Today the access to the Theertham is controlled to ritualist purpose ()

Padmatheertham is one of the oldest water bodies in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. There are 8 Pavilions around the Padmatheertham.

Bells Padmanabha temple has a large numbers of bronze bells.

Mural Paintings

Apart from sculptural art, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a treasure trove of temple mural art.
The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Padmanabha and Sree Krishna are decorated with murals. The 18 feet long Ananthasayanam mural on the backside of the sanctum is one of the largest temple murals of Kerala.

The murals in Padmanabhaswamy Temple can also be classified as belonging to the period of Marthanda Varma and after. The older paintings can still be seen on the upper portions of the walls of the main shrine and also inside the shrine of Vishwaksenan. Most of the other paintings have been repainted twice in the last century.

Ramayana these is painted on the western wall. The southern wall has murals depicting stories from Shiva Puranam and Devi Mahatmyam.

Northern wall has painting depict the glory of Lord Mahavishnu.

The walls of the shrines of Narasimha Swami and Thiruvambadi Krishnan are with murals, that had been re-painted recently.

Among the old generation of artists, two names stand out: Ulloor Subramaniyan Annavi and Chalayil Kalahasti ( who painted the 18 feet long Ananthasayanam mural on the backside of the main shrine).

Ananthasayanam mural was commissioned by Travancore Maharani, Regent Gowri Parvathi Bayi in 1820 AD. According to the records, Annavi received 17 rupees as reward in 1003 Malayalam year (1828 AD). These have been repainted twice by Mammiyoor School of Painters.

Thiruvambadi Sree Krishnaswamy Temple Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is inside the main Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex. These temples enjoy the status of a separate Temple with separate flagstaff, sacred stones and its own rites and rituals.

It is unusual practice in the traditional temple system.

Vaults in Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Temple's assets were stored its in Nilavara (subterranean vaults) located inside the temple complex. Sofar 8 such vaults are known to the outside world.
For documentation purposes, these vaults have been identified as Vaults A, B, C, D, E , F , G and H.

Vault A: This vault was opened on 27 June 2011. It contained the most amount of treasure discovered. Wooden boxes full of gold coins and precious stones were stacked in the vault.

Vault B: This is the most mysterious and still unopened vault at least since 1880s. This vault is told to have thick walls made of solid gold. And could contain the largest undiscovered treasure find in the history of the world.
The prevailing belief is that it might bring ill fortune to the temple and the people involved, if opened.

Vault C: This vault contains ornaments used for temple ceremonies. Other ceremonial items like golden umbrellas, golden serpent hoods for special rituals are stored here. The two priests of the temple, the 'Periya Nambi' and the 'Thekkedath Nambi' are the custodians of the four vaults C to F.

Vault D: This vault is the storage place for items used for decorating Garuda Vahana during festivities in the temple.

Vault E: Items needed for daily ritual are stored here. Items like deeparadhana plates stored here.

Vault F: Along with items needed for daily rituals, three idols of Lord Padmanabha for the rituals too is safekept here.

Vault G and H: The existence these two vaults were not known recently. These vaults are not opened.

The vaults are not accessible to public for viewing.

Why Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is so Popular ?

1. Spirituality: This is a major temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu & Vaishnava traditions in the country.

The temple maintains high standards of traditions, rituals and customs.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred places) of Vaishnava tradition.

Apart from spirituality, Padmanabhaswamy Temple has many factors elevates it to a great temple.

2. Antiquity: This temple has at least recorded antiquity from 8th century.
This is one of the oldest living temples in the country.

3. Records & Literature : Major ancient literature, Epics and sacred texts has mention of this temple.

4. History: Padmanabhaswamy Temple's history is woven with the history of Travancore kingdom. The ruling royals of Travancore kingdom is intrinsically connected with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Travancore kings ruled erstwhile kingdom in the name of Sree Padmanabha, as Padmanabha Dasas.

5. Nature: The origin of the Temple in an erstwhile forested area. The place is very close to the seaside. The temples location together with in geographic backdrop is significant aspect as a spiritual center.

6. Architecture:The architecture is this Padmanabhaswamy Temple both magnificent and unique. Originally temple interior was executed in the classic Kerala style architecture, while the imposing facade, the temple tower was later added in Chola style architecture from the tamil country.

7. Festivals: This temple is known for fabulous festivals with pomp and grandeur. A large number of cultural and artistic performances are associated with the annual festivals of this temple.
Musical concert is central to the 9 days Navratri festival.
Alpasi Ulsavam is the 10 days annual festival.

8. Wealth: This is one of the richest living temples in the world. The relatively recent discovery (2011) of treasures in the temple attracted the attention of both devotees and general tourists to the temple.

9. Cultural heritage : Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the Padmanabha Swamy temple is the venue for one of the oldest music festivals in the country.

The festival dates back to 1250 AD, when the king, who then ruled the region, received an idol of Saraswati from Kavichakravarthi Kamban, the legendary Tamil poet and the author of Kamba Ramayanam.

Centuries later, the king’s descendants established the Travancore kingdom, and Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma moved Travancore capital from Padmanabhapuram near Kanyakumari to Thiruvananthapuram.

The Navarathri concerts have since been taking place without a break at Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Who can enter the Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Followers of Hindu faith only are permitted entry into the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Prescribed Dress code aslo is a precondition for entry.

What is the dress code to enter the Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Men and boys to wear "vesti" (dothi) with "angavastram" (shawl). Women to wear sari. For girls, blouse and long skirt.

What is the Opening time of Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Temple opens for Nirmalya Darshanam at 3.30AM

What is the Darshan timing of Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Morning :
03:30 AM to 04:30 AM.
06:30 AM to 07:00 AM.
08:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
10:30 AM to 11:15 AM.
11:45 AM to 12:00 PM.

Evening:
04:30 AM to 06:15 PM.
06:50 AM to 07:20 PM.

What are the Poojas and Fees in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

1 : Ashtothararchana : ₹20
2 : Aikyamathyasooktham : ₹30
3 : Aval : ₹30
4 : Bhagyasooktham : ₹30
5 : Bhoosooktharchana : ₹30
6 : Dhanwanthari Archana : ₹30
7 : Lakshminarayanamanthrarchana : ₹30
8 : Narayana Sooktham : ₹30
9 : Panakam : ₹30
10 : Purushasooktharchana : ₹30
11 : Sahasranamarchana : ₹30
12 : Samvadasooktham : ₹30
13 : Santhanagopalarchana : ₹30
14 : Sreesooktharchana : ₹30
15 : Sudarshana Archana : ₹30
16 : Swayamvararchana : ₹30
17 : Vedamanthrarchana : ₹30
18 : Vidyarajagopalarchana : ₹30
19 : Neyvilakku : ₹50
20 : Special Seva (Archana) : ₹50
21 : Thirumaduram : ₹50
22 : Ottayada : ₹60
23 : Panchamrutham : ₹60
24 : Unniyappam : ₹60
25 : Idichu Pizhinja Payasam : ₹80
26 : Aravana : ₹100
27 : Ksheerabhishekam : ₹100
28 : Neypayasam : ₹100
29 : Palpayasam- 1/2 Litre : ₹100
30 : Palpayasam-1 Liter : ₹200
31 : Annadanam - 1 Person : ₹101
32 : Choroonu : ₹200
33 : Ottathula Payasam : ₹500
34 : Menithula Payasam (1/16 Unit) : ₹500
35 : Menithula Payasam (1/8 Unit) : ₹1,000
36 : Menithula Payasam (1/4 Unit) : ₹1,500
37 : Menithula Payasam (1/2 Unit) : ₹3,000
38 : Menithula Payasam (1Unit) : ₹6,000
39 : Muhukkapu(Padmanabha Swamy) : ₹1,000
40 : Valiya Alankaram : ₹1,000
41 : Panthrandu Thula Payasam : ₹4,500
42 : Annadhanam : ₹20,000
43 : Chakrabja Pooja : ₹20,000
44 : Ponnum Sreebali-Procession : ₹20,000
45 : Udayastamana Pooja : ₹25,000
46 : Nirmalyam To Deeparadhana : ₹3,000
47 : Nirmalyam To Usha Pooja : ₹4,000
48 : Nirmalyam To Pantheeradi Pooja : ₹5,000
49 : Nirmalyam To Uchapooja (Half Day Pooja) : ₹12,000
50 : Suvarna Darshan : ₹20,000

Can visitors see treasures discovered in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
No. The assets discovered are not on display.
Can visitors see treasures discovered in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
No. The assets discovered are not on display.
What is the value of treasures discovered in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
The estimated treasure so far is values around Rupees one trillion (Rs 1,000,000,000,000) or $22 billion.

What is the mystery around Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
A hitherto unopened vault when opened in the year 2011, a massive treasure (estimated worth one lakh crore rupee ) was discovered. This discovery made the Padmanabhaswamy Temple as the richest temple in the world.

There are still unopened vaults, kept closed for belief & faith reasons. One of these unopened vault is told to have thick walls made of solid gold. And could contain the largest undiscovered treasure find in the history of the world.

The prevailing belief is that it might bring ill fortune to the temple and the people involved, if opened.