Located in the vibrant city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands as one of the most ancient and spiritually revered temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who reclines in the mystical Anantashayana posture, this temple is a significant pilgrimage center for followers of the Vaishnava and Smartha traditions.
It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, the most sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and the Mahabharata.
Let’s explore Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple darshan timings, pooja schedule, dress code, and special rituals to help you plan a spiritually enriching visit.
Quick Overview of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple |
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Main Deities | Lord Vishnu (Padmanabhaswamy) and Goddess Lakshmi |
| Architectural Style | A fusion of Kerala and Tamil architecture |
| Significance | One of the 108 Divya Desams; Patron deity of the Travancore royal family |
| Managed By | The Travancore Royal Trust; Current Trustee – Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma |
Temple Darshan Timings 2025
The temple is open daily for darshan and follows a structured schedule:
| Darshan Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Early Morning Darshan | 03:30 AM – 04:45 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:30 AM – 07:00 AM |
| Break Darshan | 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Evening Darshan | 04:30 PM – 06:15 PM |
| Evening Pooja/Darshan | 06:45 PM – 07:20 PM |
Note: Timings may vary during special festivals and auspicious days due to elaborate pooja rituals.
Opening and Closing Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 03:30 AM | 07:20 PM |
| Sunday | 03:00 AM | 08:30 PM |
Dress Code Guidelines
To enter the sanctum, traditional attire is mandatory:
-
Men: Dhoti or mundu (no shirts or pants allowed)
-
Women: Saree, set-mundu, or long skirts with blouses. Salwar suits and western wear must be covered with a dhoti.
Special Rituals and Festivals
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple observes several spiritually rich rituals:
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Murajapam: A rare and powerful Vedic chanting ritual lasting 56 days.
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Painguni and Alpasi Utsavam: Celebrated in March/April and October/November with vibrant processions.
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Daily Rituals: Include Abhishekam, Archana, and Palpayasam Nivedyam.
Pooja and Seva Schedule
| Ritual/Pooja | Timing | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Deepardhanai | 03:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Usha Pooja | 03:45 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Pantheeradi Pooja | 06:00 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Ucha Pooja | 11:45 AM | Monday to Sunday |
Best Time to Visit
The temple is divine all year, but visiting during the Aipasi (Oct–Nov) and Panguni (Mar–Apr) festivals offers a truly vibrant spiritual experience.
Nearby Attractions
Make the most of your visit with these local gems:
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Napier Museum
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Sree Chitra Art Gallery
-
Veli Tourist Village
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Ulsavamadam Building, North Nada, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Fort, Thiruvananthapuram – 695023, Kerala |
| Phone | 0471 2450233 |
| mathilakamofficespst@gmail.com / catoeospst@gmail.com | |
| Website | spst.in / booking portal |
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
It is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples (Divya Desams) and a spiritual center for Vaishnavites and followers of the Smartha tradition.
2. Is there an entry fee for darshan?
No, general darshan is free. However, there may be special pooja offerings that involve a fee.
3. Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
No, only Hindus are allowed entry into the temple premises.
4. What should I wear to the temple?
Traditional Indian attire is mandatory. Men must wear dhotis; women must wear sarees or equivalent traditional wear.
5. How can I book darshan or sevas online?
You can visit the temple’s official booking portal to reserve your darshan or special pooja.
6. Are phones or electronic items allowed inside?
No, mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited within the temple premises.