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Top 10 Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Facts in 2024
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu) mentioned in the works of the Alvars, early medieval Tamil poets and saints. The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty, religious significance, and historical importance. Here are some key features of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
Presiding Deity:
- The principal deity of the temple is Lord Padmanabhaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is reclining on the serpent Ananta (Adi Sesha).
Moolasthanam (Sanctum Sanctorum):
- The temple's sanctum sanctorum, called the Moolasthanam, is a unique and ancient design where the deity is seen through three doors - the Face is visible through the first door, the Chest through the second, and the Feet through the third.
Ananta Shesha Vigraha:
- The idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy is reclining on Ananta Shesha (the cosmic serpent with a thousand heads), and the deity is adorned with gold and precious jewels.
Gopuram and Architecture:
- The temple features a massive seven-tiered gopuram (tower) at the entrance, along with intricate sculptures and carvings that showcase the Dravidian style of architecture.
Kuthira Malika (Puthen Malika Palace):
- Adjacent to the temple is the Kuthira Malika (Puthen Malika) Palace, which was built by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore. The palace serves as a museum showcasing the royal collections.
Mandapams:
- The temple complex includes several mandapams (halls) such as the Ottakkal Mandapam and the Kulasekhara Mandapam, each with unique architectural features.
Festivals:
- The major festivals celebrated at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple include Alpashy Utsavam, Panguni Utsavam, and Laksha Deepam. The Alpashy Utsavam, held in the Malayalam month of Thulam, is one of the main annual festivals.
Travancore Royal Family:
- The temple has historical ties with the Travancore royal family, and they have been traditionally regarded as the custodians of the temple. The Maharaja of Travancore had a unique privilege of serving as the Padmanabha Dasa (servant of Lord Padmanabha).
Vaults with Treasures:
- The temple gained international attention due to the discovery of underground vaults (kallaras) that contained enormous treasures, including gold, silver, and precious stones. The value of the treasures is estimated to be one of the richest in the world.
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only a place of worship but also an architectural marvel and a repository of historical and cultural treasures. It continues to be a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of religious and cultural heritage in Kerala.
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