Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most sacred Vaishnavite shrines in India and holds a distinguished place among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity, Lord Padmanabha, is worshipped here in the Anantha Shayana posture—reclining on the serpent Adi Sesha—a form that is both visually striking and theologically significant.

The temple is traditionally maintained by the royal family of Travancore, reflecting a unique spiritual legacy in which the rulers governed as servants of the deity. Padmanabhaswamy is also revered as one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras of Kerala, believed to have been consecrated by Sage Parasurama himself. Ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Puranam and Padma Puranam extol the sanctity of this shrine, reinforcing its importance in Hindu sacred geography.

Architecturally, the temple is the largest in Kerala and exhibits prominent Dravidian features, most notably its imposing seven-tier gopuram. The temple complex includes the sacred Padma Theertham tank, while the inner corridors are lined with 324 intricately sculpted pillars. The Kulashekara Mandapam and Navaratri Mandapam stand out for their craftsmanship and ceremonial significance.

The sanctum itself is distinctive: Lord Vishnu is viewed through three separate doors, each revealing a different part of the reclining form. Much of the temple’s present structure reflects extensive renovations carried out during the 18th century, during which the mandapams and corridors were embellished with fine sculpture, and the exterior of the sanctum adorned with detailed murals.

Sacred Places in India