The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is one of the richest and most revered Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the Anantha Shayana (eternal yogic sleep) posture lying on the infinite serpent Anantha or Adishesha, the temple represents a divine blend of Dravidian and Kerala temple architecture. The deity’s massive idol stretches across three sanctums and can be viewed through three separate doors—showing the head, body, and feet of Lord Padmanabha.

The temple’s origins are ancient and deeply spiritual. While exact dates are difficult to determine, references to the temple appear in early Sangam literature (500 BCE – 300 CE), and it has been a center of Vishnu worship for centuries. It gained particular prominence under the Travancore royal family, especially in 1750, when Maharaja Marthanda Varma dedicated the entire kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha, proclaiming himself as “Padmanabha Dasa” (servant of the Lord). Since then, the deity is considered the true ruler of the region, and the Travancore royal family continues to serve as custodians of the temple, not owners.

What brought Padmanabhaswamy Temple international attention was the discovery of immense hidden treasures in its underground vaults in 2011. Ancient gold ornaments, diamond jewelry, coins, idols, and precious stones worth billions of dollars were found—making it possibly the wealthiest place of worship on Earth. The mystery and sanctity surrounding Vault B, which remains unopened due to spiritual and legal concerns, have added to the temple’s allure and mystique.

Religiously, the temple is of great importance to Vaishnavites, and it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in the works of the Tamil Alwar saints. The temple follows strict rituals in accordance with the Tantric traditions of Kerala, and only Hindus are allowed inside. Devotees must adhere to a specific dress code—men in mundu (no shirt), and women in sari or traditional attire.

Apart from its spiritual prominence, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an architectural marvel with majestic gopurams (towers), intricate stone carvings, long corridors with carved pillars, and a beautiful temple tank. Major festivals like Laksha Deepam, held once every six years when the temple is lit with a hundred thousand oil lamps, draw thousands of pilgrims and create an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not just a religious site—it is a living symbol of devotion, royal heritage, divine mystery, and cultural legacy, making it one of the most fascinating temples in India and the world.