The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Padmanabha (which means “Lotus-Navelled”). The idol of Padmanabha is made of a special combination of herbs and minerals, and is over 5000 years old.
The temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the southern Indian state of Kerala, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes) of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, which feature scenes from Hindu mythology and various gods and goddesses. The temple complex also includes a number of other structures, including a mandapam (hall), a flagstaff, and a banyan tree.
The temple’s origins can be traced back to the 8th century, but it has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the years, with the most recent restoration taking place in the 18th century under the patronage of the Travancore royal family.
Immense Wealth: The temple is known for its immense wealth, which is said to include gold, jewels, and other treasures worth billions of dollars. In 2011, a team of archaeologists and officials entered the temple’s secret vaults for the first time in over 100 years and discovered a vast collection of gold, silver, and precious stones, making it one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world.
The temple has a number of unique features, including its towering gopuram (entrance tower), which is over 100 feet tall and features intricate carvings of various deities and mythological scenes. The temple’s main shrine is also unique, as it features a reclining idol of Padmanabha that is over 18 feet long.
The temple is known for its strict dress code, which requires visitors to wear traditional Indian clothing and bans the use of cameras, mobile phones, and other electronic devices within the temple complex.
Legends & Myths:
The temple is also associated with a number of legends and myths, including the story of a sage named Divakara who discovered the idol of Padmanabha while meditating in a nearby forest. Another legend tells of the temple’s association with the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have saved a king from a flood by appearing in the form of a fish.
Despite its immense wealth and popularity, the temple remains a deeply spiritual and sacred place, with thousands of devotees visiting every year to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Padmanabha.