Padmanabhaswamy Temple — Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. World's richest temple. 18 ft Vishnu in Anant-shayan pose.
2011: 6 underground vaults opened — ₹1.2 lakh crore treasure found. Vault-B (cobra-guarded) still closed.
✦ Unique Features
World's richest temple.
18 ft Vishnu darshan through 3 doors.
Dhoti (men) mandatory. No shirts.
Saree for women.
Non-Hindus restricted.
One of 108 Divya Desams.
Travancore royal family preserved.
✦ Darshan Hours
Morning: 3:30-4:45, 6:30-7:00, 8:30-10:00, 10:30-11:10, 11:45-12:00.
Evening: 5:00-6:15, 6:45-7:20.
7 darshan slots total.
Main festival: Onam.
Padma-tirth kulam pond.
✦ 2011 Treasure
Supreme Court ordered 6 vaults opened.
Found: gold idols, diamonds, emeralds, gems.
₹1.2 lakh crore estimated.
Vault-B closed (cobra-guard legend).
Centre-state-royal dispute.
✦ Access
Trivandrum rail: 1 km.
Airport: Trivandrum (5 km).
Other Kerala coast temples.
Guruvayur 350 km.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Why Vault-B closed?▼
Naga-king legend. Apsara curse. SC formed study panel. Decision not to open yet.
Where to get dhoti?▼
Outside temple on rent. ₹50-100. Can bring own.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.