One of the most sacred and mysterious temples in India is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Anantha Padmanabha, reclining on the serpent Anantha. The temple is famous not only for its spiritual significance but also for its stunning architecture and the hidden treasures discovered in its secret vaults.
If you’re planning to visit this divine place, knowing the Padmanabhaswamy Temple timings is very important. This article will help you understand the timing of this temple along with special pooja timings, dress code, and the best time to visit the temple.
About Padamnabhamswamy Temple
Before we talk about the timings, it’s important to know a bit about the temple itself. The temple is in the middle of Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are the most sacred places of Lord Vishnu for his devotees. The temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is managed by the royal family of Travancore.
One amazing thing about the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the huge idol of Lord Vishnu lying down in a resting position. It is so big that you have to look through three separate doors to see the full deity — the head, body, and feet.
Padamnabhamswamy Temple Timing
Now coming to the main question, the temple timings. So, the temple opens twice in a day, first in the morning and then again in the evening.
Morning Timing
In the morning, the temple opens before sunrise. Devotees start coming by 3:30 AM to see the first darshan of the day.
Here is the morning schedule of darshan,
| Timings | Darshan Details |
|---|---|
| 3:30 am – 4.45 am | Nirmalya Darshan |
| 6.30 am – 7.00 am | Ushapoojan Darshan |
| 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Mid-morning Pooja |
| 10:30 am – 11:30 am | Late-morning Darshan |
| 11:45 am | Darshan off temporarily |
By 11:45 AM, the temple doors close for the midday break. The priests and staff prepare for the evening rituals. The Lord, as per tradition, is given rest, and the sanctum is sealed temporarily.
Evening Timing
The temple slowly comes alive again in the evening. As the sun begins to dip, the sound of conches and bells floating through the air. By 4:30 PM, the doors open for the evening darshan, and people begin to line up once again.
But the most enchanting part happens around 6:30 PM, during the Deeparadhana in which hundreds of lamps are lit and waved before the deity.
| Timings | Darshan Details |
|---|---|
| 4:30 pm – 6:15 pm | General Darshan |
| 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Deeparadhana |
| 7:00 pm – 7:20 pm | Final Darshan of the day |
| 7:20 pm | Close |
Where is Padmanabhaswamy Temple Located?
Address:
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple,
West Nada, East Fort,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695023, India
Location Map for Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Best Time for Darshan
If you are someone who loves peace and quietness, then the early morning Nirmalya Darshan is highly recommended. Though you’ll have to wake up really early, the peaceful chants, the fragrance of fresh flowers, and the divine atmosphere will make it all worth it.
Also, the evening Deeparadhana is another must-see because during that time the entire temple glows with hundreds of oil lamps, and the idol of Lord Vishnu looks divine under the flickering lights. It is just a sight that stays with you forever.
Padamnabhamswamy Temple Ticket
If we are talking about the ticket prices of this temple then, there is no ticket or entry fee for regular darshan. However, if you wish to perform special rituals or seek blessings through paid poojas, there are separate counters for that.
- For special darshan, the ticket price is ₹150 per person
- And for special darshan with prasad, the ticket price is ₹180 per person.
However, offerings such as Kalabhishekam, Sahasranama Archana, and Pushpanjali have fixed rates.
Some devotees choose to sponsor Annadanam (mass feeding), which is considered highly auspicious.
How to Reach Padmanabhaswamy Temple
It is very easy to reach the temple, as it is located in the center of the city.
- By Air: If you want to go there by flight, then from the Trivandrum International Airport it is only 6–7 km away.
- By Train: From the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, the temple is just about 1 km away.
- By Bus/Auto: Also, you can easily get auto-rickshaws or local buses from anywhere in the city.
Once you reach East Fort (the area around the temple), you will find clear signboards and helpful locals to guide you to the entrance.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Dresscode
This temple is not just about prayer, it’s about purity and tradition. That is why the dress code is taken very seriously in this.
Men Dresscode:
- For men, only a plain white mundu (dhoti) is allowed. Shirts, T-shirts, and pants are not permitted inside the temple.
- Men have to enter with a bare upper body, although an angavastram (upper cloth) is allowed.
Women Dresscode:
- For women, sarees, half-sarees, and long skirts with blouses are considered appropriate.
- Also, salwar kameez is accepted here but in some cases.
- However, tight clothes like leggings or western wear are strictly not allowed.
Although if you forget to wear the dresscode then don’t worry, as there are shops and rental counters near the temple entrance where you can get proper attire for a small fee.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Nearby Attractions
After darshan, people can also explore the following places near the temple:
- Kuthiramalika Palace Museum – It is a beautiful museum with royal artifacts and architecture.
- Sree Chitra Art Gallery – This is for art lovers, as this place showcases unique paintings from Indian and European artists.
- Napier Museum – An old museum with a great collection of bronze idols, ornaments, and historical items.
- Shankumugham Beach – This beach is very peaceful which is just a short drive away and perfect for evening relaxation.
- Kovalam Beach – It is around 13 km away from the temple, but this is a world-famous beach that is a must-visit.
Things to Keep in Mind before Going
- Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Visitors are expected to declare their faith at the gate.
- Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are not allowed. Leave them at the locker counters.
- Footwear is strictly prohibited. There are separate shoe racks outside the main entrance.
- No photography is allowed inside. Even in outer areas, be discreet.
- Maintain silence and discipline once inside because the temple is a place of worship, not a tourist spot.
Final Words
In the end we can say that a visit to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not just about rituals or prayers but an experience of deep peace, heritage, and spiritual connection. The timings of the temple play a vital role in how smoothly your visit goes. By following the temple schedule, respecting the rules, and dressing appropriately, you can have a truly meaningful experience.
Whether you’re a believer seeking blessings or a traveler in awe of ancient architecture, Padmanabhaswamy Temple leaves a lasting impression on everyone. It’s not just a temple, it’s a living tradition, a timeless marvel, and a divine journey into the heart of Kerala’s spiritual legacy.
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