Complete Guide to Visiting Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Kerala 2025
Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is one of the most sacred and architecturally magnificent Vishnu temples in India. Known for its spiritual significance, historical wealth, and Dravidian architecture, this temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
- Deity: Lord Vishnu as Anantha Padmanabha Swamy
- Posture: Reclining on Anantha (Adishesha), with Brahma emerging from his navel
- Temple Style: Classic Dravidian architecture with a towering 100-foot gopuram (gateway)
- Location: East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Significance: One of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples)
- Special Fact: Known as the richest temple in the world, with treasures worth over ₹1 lakh crore discovered in its secret vaults
Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Darshan Timings
Devotees can visit Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple during specific morning and evening time slots, with breaks in between for various poojas. The temple opens early in the morning and follows a strict schedule for darshan and rituals.
| Session | Darshan Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Open | 03:30 AM – 04:45 AM | Early Suprabhatha Darshan (limited crowd) |
| Morning Break | 04:45 AM – 05:00 AM | Short break for rituals |
| Morning | 05:00 AM – 06:15 AM | Regular Darshan resumes |
| Morning | 06:45 AM – 07:15 AM | Pooja rituals in progress |
| Morning | 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Open for general darshan |
| Late Morning | 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM | Last entry for morning darshan |
| Temple Closes | 11:10 AM – 05:00 PM | Closed for Ucha Pooja and preparations |
| Evening Open | 05:00 PM – 06:15 PM | Evening darshan begins |
| Evening Break | 06:15 PM – 06:45 PM | Rituals in sanctum |
| Evening Final | 06:45 PM – 07:20 PM | Athazha Pooja darshan |
| Closing Time | 07:20 PM – 07:30 PM | Temple doors close after final rituals |
Pooja Details & Sevas at Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple follows a sacred and highly structured schedule of daily poojas, special rituals, and sevas, performed by traditional Tantric priests. These poojas are steeped in Vedic rituals and are conducted with utmost discipline.
Daily Pooja Schedule
| Pooja Name | Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nirmalya Darshan | 03:30 AM – 04:15 AM | First glimpse of the deity with previous day’s garlands |
| Usha Pooja | 05:00 AM – 06:00 AM | Morning offering to the deity |
| Ethirettu Pooja | 06:45 AM – 07:15 AM | Performed after Usha Pooja |
| Pantheeradi Pooja | 08:00 AM – 09:00 AM | Conducted before mid-morning rituals |
| Ucha Pooja | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Main midday pooja, considered highly sacred |
| Deeparadhana | 06:30 PM – 06:45 PM | Evening lamp offering |
| Athazha Pooja | 06:45 PM – 07:20 PM | Final pooja of the day, marking the closing rituals |
Popular Sevas & Offerings
| Seva Name | Description | Booking Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Archana | Chanting of 108 names of the deity with offerings | Onsite/Online |
| Vishnu Sahasranama Archana | Recitation of 1000 names of Lord Vishnu during special pooja | Onsite |
| Pushpanjali | Flower offering to the deity during morning poojas | Onsite |
| Palpayasam (Ney Payasam) | Sweet rice offering, considered highly auspicious | Onsite |
| Laksharchana | Group chanting of Vishnu names performed occasionally | Advance Booking |
| Thulabharam | Weighing devotee with offerings like bananas, coins, jaggery | Onsite |
Dress Code for Devotees
Men: Mundu or Dhoti (shirt/banyan not allowed)
-
Women: Saree, Set Mundu, or long skirts with blouse (no western attire)
Festivals Celebrated at Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a vibrant center of festivities, where ancient traditions, Vedic rituals, and royal customs come alive during grand celebrations. The temple follows the Malayalam calendar and observes several important festivals that attract thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
1. Alpashy Festival (Alpashy Utsavam)
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When: October/November (Malayalam month of Thulam)
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Duration: 10 days
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Highlights:
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Daily special poojas and processions
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Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and Aarattu (ritual bath) at Shangumugham Beach
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Traditional music, Vedic chanting, and cultural performances
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2. Painkuni Festival (Painkuni Utsavam)
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When: March/April (Malayalam month of Meenam)
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Duration: 10 days
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Highlights:
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Giant effigies of the Pandavas (the temple guardians) are erected
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Flag hoisting, processions with royal customs
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Final day features Aarattu ceremony with Travancore royal family
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3. Vaikunta Ekadasi
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When: December 2025 / January 2026 (Margazhi month)
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Significance:
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One of the most important Vishnu-related festivals
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‘Paramapada Vasal’ (Vaikunta Dwaram) is opened for darshan
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Special poojas, chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, and full-night bhajans
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4. Laksha Deepam
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When: Once every 6 years (next in January 2027)
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Highlights:
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Over 100,000 oil lamps light up the temple premises
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Laksharchana (chanting of 100,000 names of Vishnu) for 56 days prior
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A visual and spiritual spectacle attended by thousands
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5. Thiruonam (Onam)
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When: August/September
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Significance:
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Celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali
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Temple performs special poojas and community feasts
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Floral decorations and cultural performances mark the day
How to Reach the Temple
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (6 km)
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By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (1 km)
By Bus: KSRTC Bus Stand, East Fort (0.5 km)