Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. People know this temple for its faith, beautiful structure and interesting history. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Vishnu is lying down on the snake Adisesha. The snake acts like his bed and protects him.. It is one of the 108 major Vishnu temples. It is also called the richest temple in the world because of its hidden wealth.
If you want to seek blessings, are interested in history, or want to see the culture of Kerala, this article will help you plan your trip in 2026.
Why visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
The temple is not a place of worship; it’s valid proof of Kerala’s rich history and spiritual tradition. This temple shows the combination of South Indian and Kerala architecture. The mystery of its closed rooms attracts millions of visitors each year. This temple is made of combination of South Indian and Kerala styles. Its closed rooms is mysterious that attracts millions of visitors each year. The 100-foot gopuram is very inspiring. The mysterious Padmatheertham pond enhanced its beauty..Every corner of the temple tells a story. A visit to Padmanabhaswamy Temple gives you a rich experience. The spiritual vibe and unique architecture of this temple may attract you.
Padmanabhaswamy temple timings for 2026.
To help you plan your visit, here are the updated darshan timings for 2026. The temple has a strict schedule. There are specific times for general and special darshan. If you want to enjoy its beauty, enter early for nirmalaya darshan.
Morning Darshan Timings
- Nirmalya Darshan: 3:15 AM – 4:15 AM
- General Darshan: 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM
- General Darshan: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Midday Darshan: 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
- Final Morning Slot: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening Darshan Timings
- Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Extended Darshan: 6:45 PM – 7:20 PM
- VIP Darshan Slot: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM (ideal for a quieter experience)
Note: Timings may vary during festivals like Alpasi Utsavam or Painkuni Utsavam. Always check the official website (https://booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org) for real-time updates.
Entry Fees and Pooja Charges
Entry to the temple is free for all devotees, but there may be long lines during rush hours. For early darshan you can take special or VIP darshan pass.
Darshan/Pooja Type
Price (INR)
Details
General Entry
Free
Enter through the standard line.
Special Darshan
₹150
Faster entry, no prasad.
Special Darshan with Prasad
₹180
Faster entry with prasad
VIP Entry for Two with Pooja Thali
₹250
Darshan for two with pooja plate
Nirmalyam to Deeparadhana
₹3,000
Morning rituals (3:30 AM – 4:45 AM)
Nirmalyam to Usha Pooja
₹4,000
Extended pooja till 5:30 AM
Nirmalyam to Pantheeradi Pooja
₹5,000
Rituals till 6:00 AM
Half-Day Nirmalyam to Ucha Pooja
₹12,000
Full pooja till afternoon
Devotees can offer items like Aravana, Payasam, or Unniyappam. They can give these to gods like Lord Padmanabha, Narasimha, or Krishna. You can buy these offerings at the temple counter.
How to Book VIP Darshan Online
The temple’s online booking system makes it easy to get a VIP or special Darshan pass. This is helpful during busy festival seasons. Follow these steps for a hassle-free booking:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org.
- Select god: Choose the god for worship (e.g., Lord Padmanabha, Narasimha, or Krishna).
- Choose Date and Time: Choose your preferred darshan time.
- Select Offering Type: Options include Special Darshan, Archana, or Abhishekam.
- Enter Details: Provide your name, mobile number, email, and a valid ID (e.g., Aadhaar or passport).
- Optional Donation: Contribute to Annadanam or temple activities if desired.
- Make Payment: Use UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
- Receive Confirmation: A QR code ticket will be sent via email and SMS. Carry a digital or printed copy with a valid ID.
**Offline Booking:** If online slots are full, go to the temple ticket counter. Show your ID proof and pay with cash or card for a special darshan pass.
Dress Code for Visitors
To maintain the temple’s sanctity, the authorities establish a strict dress code.
- Men must wear a dhoti or mundu, with the upper body bare or covered with an angavastram (shawl). Pants, shirts, or T-shirts are not allowed.
- Women must wear a saree, set-mundu, pavada with blouse, or salwar kameez with dupatta. We restrict jeans, short dresses, or skirts.
- Children: Young boys and girls must follow the same dress code as adults.
You can rent or buy traditional attire near the temple if you need it.
History of Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The history of the temple is filled with many legends, and no one knows the exact date of its construction. It is told in old texts that this temple was built about 5,000 years ago. A saint named Divakar Muni Vilvamangalam had a vision of Lord Vishnu who appeared before him in the form of an orphan child. One day the child got absorbed in the Mahua tree, and that tree transformed into the huge sleeping form of Lord Vishnu, which was eight miles long. The saint requested God to come in a smaller form, then an 18 feet tall idol appeared, which is still there in the temple. The idol is viewed from three entrances – the head, the body and the feet.The temple is mentioned in inscriptions from the 9th century. Major changes took place in it in the 15th century. It included the roof of the sanctum sanctorum and the Ottakkal Mandapam. In the 17th century, King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma rebuilt the sanctum. He also installed the present statue. He made it from 12,008 Shaligram stones and Katu-Sharkara, a herbal paste. In 1750, Lord Padmanabha received the Travancore Kingdom during the Thrippadidanam ceremony. Then, in 1936, Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma announced the temple entry. This allowed all Hindus, regardless of their caste, to enter the temple. This was a big step.
Wealth Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Kerala, India, is famous for its immense wealth. This wealth includes gold, jewels,ornaments which values in billions
Many believe the wealth remained hidden for centuries, protected by the temple’s priests. The temple’s vaults remain mostly unexplored, which increases its mystery.
In 2011, a team opened some of the safes, revealing surprising wealth. The discovery highlights debate about ownership and conservation.
Devotees and tourists visit this temple in large numbers, attracted by its history and richness. The wealth here is considered a symbol of the faith of the people and the rich culture of this region.
The temple has a lot of wealth. It is housed in six cellars (A to F) and two rooms (G and H). This wealth attracts people from all over the world. Its value is said to be in trillions of rupees. This wealth includes gold coins, idols, jewelry and precious objects. All this gradually grew with the donations of the kings of South India, traders and the British government.
Vault A, which was opened by the Supreme Court, contained gold jewellery, gems and religious objects.
Cellars C and F are used for worship and religious functions, while D, E and F contain decorations and objects of worship of the deity.
Architectural Splendor
The design of this temple is a beautiful combination of South Indian and Kerala style. Beautiful stone carvings and colorful paintings have been done on the walls of the temple. Some main parts of the temple are as follows –
- Gopuram: It is a 100 feet high seven-storey tower built at the eastern entrance of the temple. It is decorated with ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu..
- Sribalipura: It is a long corridor made of stones, which has 365 pillars. People pass here during festivals and processions.
- Ottakkal Mandapam: Ottakkal Mandapam: This is a platform made of a single stone, where darshan and abhishekam (bathing of the Lord) is performed.
- Kulasekhara Mandapam: It is a hall with musical pillars, which when tapped produce different notes
- Padmatheertham Pond: This is a spiritual water pond, used for purification and religious bathing..
- Methan Mani Clock: This is an old clock tower, which is built in front of the temple..
The temple has an 18 feet tall idol of Lord Padmanabha, which is made of Katu-Sharkara (a mixture of medicines, jaggery and natural substances). Lord Sarpa is lying on Adisesha. Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Bhoomi and a Shivalinga are also installed near them. Devotees can see all these from three entrances—in the form of head, body and feet.
Temples and Attractions
Beyond the main shrine, the temple complex features:
- Narasimha Shrine: This temple is dedicated to the Narasimha (lion-man) avtar of Lord Vishnu.
- Parthasarathy Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna as the sarthy of Arjuna.
- small temples: This temple also has small temples of Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Shasta..
- Thiruvambadi Sree Krishnaswamy Temple: It is a separate temple, with its own flagpole and method of worship.
- Ananthasayanam Mural: There is an 18-foot tall mural, the largest in Kerala.
Major Festivals in 2026
- Many colorful festivals are celebrated in the temple, which are attended by a large number of people. You can really enjoy the culture if you visit during these festivals:
- Alpasi Utsav (October–November): This is a 10-day festival which includes flag hoisting, processions, and Aarat ceremony at Sangamugham Beach.
- Pinekuni festival (March–April): A festival similar to Alpasi, in which Pandava idols are placed at the entrance of the temple.
- Lakshadweepam (2025–26): This is a grand festival held once in six years, in which one lakh lamps are lit.
- Thiruvonam: It is the birthday of Lord Padmanabha, in which Onavillu (wooden bows) are offered.
- Other festivals include Navratri, Maha Shivratri and Ram Navami, which are celebrated with special worship and decorations.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To make your visit to the temple comfortable and easy, keep these things in mind:
- Reach Early: Nirmalya Darshan at 3:15 am is a very peaceful and nice experience.
- Proper Dressing: Wear traditional clothes so that there is no problem in entry.
- No photography: Keep cameras and mobile phones in lockers.
- Crowd Management: Book VIP darshan during festivals or weekends, to avoid long queues.
- Carry water: It can be hot temperature inside the temple, so carry a water bottle with you.
- Respect the rules: Only Hindu people can enter, and everyone must follow temple etiquette.
How to Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The temple is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram and is easily accessible from:
- By Road: Buses from Kochi, Madurai, Bangalore and Chennai go to Trivandrum Bus Station (2 km away). Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available.
- By Rail: Trivandrum Central Railway Station (2 km away) runs trains to major cities of the country.
- By Air: Domestic and international flights are available from Trivandrum International Airport (4 km away).
Benefits of visiting padmanabhaswamy temple
Benefits of visiting Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram):
- Direct darshan of Lord Vishnu in Ananthashayanam posture.
- Absolves sins, grants moksha (ancient belief).
- Fulfills wishes, removes obstacles.
- Powerful energy from secret vaults and ancient rituals.
- Blessings for health, wealth, progeny.
- Participation in rare seva like Neyyilakkilikal (ghee lamp
