Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a major Hindu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, dedicated to Vishnu in the reclining Ananta Shesha form; it is an important religious and cultural site for the region. The temple is known for its rich architecture and for a set of underground vaults beneath the complex.

The temple complex contains ornate stone and woodwork, traditional temple shrines and ritual spaces centred on the main sanctum that houses the deity’s image. The vaults under the temple, labelled with letters, received international attention when they were opened and inventoried in 2011, revealing extensive items of treasure and ritual objects.

The shrine has ancient origins and has been associated with the local Travancore royal family for centuries; significant renovation and patronage by Travancore rulers shaped the temple’s present form during the pre-modern and early modern periods. The royal family historically acted as custodians of the temple.

Located in the historic East Fort area of Thiruvananthapuram city, the temple occupies a central urban site and is both a functioning place of worship and a pilgrimage destination in Kerala.

• Access and dress code: Entry to the inner sanctum is traditionally restricted to Hindus and the temple enforces a strict dress code for worshippers and visitors.
• Vaults discovered: Underground vaults were opened and inventoried in 2011, revealing extensive collections of gold, jewels and historic objects stored under the complex.

What to See #

• Sreekovil (sanctum): The inner sanctum housing the principal idol of Vishnu in the reclining posture known locally as Padmanabha; access to the inner sanctum is restricted under temple tradition.
• Underground vaults: A series of underground vaults known by letters A to F that gained international attention after a large cache of jewellery, coins and objects was examined in 2011.