Dr. L. A. Ravi Varma of Travancore, along with other notable academics, writers, and historians, have speculated that the first day of Kali Yuga saw the construction of this temple (which is over 5000 years ago). Origins of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple are lost to the mists of time. The exact date and person who dedicated the first Sree Padmanabhaswamy idol remain unknown, and there are no reputable historical records to help fill in the blanks. Both the Epics and the Puranas make mention of the Temple. According to Srimad Bhagavatha, Balarama visited this temple, took a dip in Padmatheertham, and performed a number of sacrifices there.
Each of these descriptions fits the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple perfectly. This list includes age, documentation, historical significance, forest origin, ocean proximity, altitude, royal ties, ancient literary mention, architectural splendor, and festival pomp and circumstance.
There are nine doorways into the Temple, which represents the nine openings in a human body.
The idol was crafted out of 12008 Salagrams from a unique alloy called Katusarkarayogam.
A single piece of Teak wood is used to create a pole that is 80 feet in height and is located near the eastern corridor. The legendary stories say that the log used to carve the pole was carried from the woods and transported to the temple without ever coming into contact with the floor. After that, sheets of gold were used to wrap the pole entirely.
On rainy days, the Deities can take shelter in this wonderful rectangular passageway made of sturdy stones.
Beautiful pictures of Lord Shiva can be found all over the temple grounds.
The Ottakkal Mandapam (single stone platform) is a notable structure of this temple. This Mandapam serves as the site for a wide range of religious ceremonies. There is a gold leaf on each of the granite pillars.
The Abhisravana Mandapam is where the temple's most important poojas are held during major celebrations. This Mandapam is ideal for yoga, prayer, and other spiritual practices.
The Kulasekhara Mandapam is a beautiful and marvelous work of stone architecture. There are 28 pillar balustrades keeping it up. The four corner pillars can be tapped to make different sounds. The pillars have intricately carved images in both half and full-relief.
The eastern gateway of the Temple is marked by a gopuram that rises seven stories high. Designed entirely in the Dravidian style, it is a stunning example of South Indian architecture.
Duration RequiredWest Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Trivandrum, India
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
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