SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of Lord Vishnu's most famous temples in Kerala, South India. Also known as Sree Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located within the Eastern Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala, India. Lord Vishnu is consecrated here in the posture of Anananthasayanam (in the eternal dream of yognidra), lying upon Sri Anantha, the hooded serpent. According to the traditions, it is believed that Sree Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram has been worshiped by Chandra (God of the moon) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas).

Significance of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy is one of Lord Vishnu's 108 Divya Desams. Divya Desams are the most sacred abodes of Lord Mahavishnu which are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also one of the seven Parasurama kshetras in Kerala. The city of Thiruvananthapuram bears the name of the Lord. The word Thiruvananthapuram literally means "The land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.

The idol of the temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is composed of 1,2008 salagramams that make up the reclining lord. They are special because they are from Nepal, from the banks of the Gandhaki River and were taken to the temple with all the pomp and joy at the top of the elephant. Above them "Katusarkara Yogam", Navaratnams, a special ayurvedic mixture, was used to give a cast. The followers believe that the Lord came personally disguised and had often saved the Travancore Kingdom from the clutches of enemies.