Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala
Located within the East Fort of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted to be reclining on Anantha, who is the Hooded Serpent.
This temple is stated to be constructed way back to the 8th century and is one of the country’s 108 sacred Divya Desams, which are considered as the holiest abodes of the Lord Vishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Indian saints, Tamil Azhvars.
The temple building showcases a combination of Keralan and Dravidian architectural styles, which truly stand out for the work in bronze and stone. As for the interiors, they are adorned with beautiful murals and paintings, including life-sized images of Lord Vishnu, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Narasimha Swamy), Gaja Lakshmi and Lord Ganapati.
The temple also has a flag post (dhwaja stamba) that is covered with gold plated copper sheets and is about 80 feet high. Other interesting structural features include the Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam, which are halls decorated with beautiful sculptures of Hindu deities; and the Navagraha Mandapa ceiling that displays the 9 planets or navagrahas.
When visiting this temple in you Kerala Vacation, keep in mind that worship times could change during festival occasions, and there is a dress code to be followed. Also, remember that only Hindus are allowed inside.