Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple
Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala is one among the most important temples of Lord Vishnu in India. The city got the name Thiruvananthapuram because of the presence of this temple. It is said that in ancient period the city was known as 'Ananthasayanam'
Padmanbha swamy temple architecture is a perfect blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles. The temple has a seven-story gopuram (tower) which is about 35 meters in height at the main entrance. The sanctum of this temple is fashioned in the style of the temples of Kerala, while the surrounding walls and the towers resemble that of the Tamil (Dravidian architecture) temples. Interesting murals adorn the outer walls of the sanctum. There are shrines to Narasimha, Hanuman and Krishna near the sanctum. In the inner sanctum, the deity Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu) is reclining on the sacred serpent Anantha.

Padmanabha swamy temple vibrant with tradition, having been associated for years with the arts and music. The rulers of Travancore have held this temple in the highest regard. They functioned as 'Padmanabha Dasas' (as servants of the Lord), from the days of Marthanda Varma, who dedicated the entire State to Padmanabha by placing his 'Udaval' (sword) at the feet of the Padmanabha in December 1749 A.D. Even today, an elaborate worship protocol is followed in the strictest sense. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and there is strict dress code to be followed inside the temple premises.

Location
South India, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. The padmanabhaswamy temple is located near the bus station at the East Fort in the city.
History

The story behind the origin of padmanabha swamy temple is revealed through several legends. The temple is considered to be one of the 108 sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu. When Vilvamangalam Swami, a devotee of Lord Krishna reached 'Ananthankadu' on reaching Krishna, a huge illuppa tree fell down with a crash at the location of the present Padmanabha Swami Temple. Lord Vishnu appeared before him reclining on Ananta Shesha. The news reached the then ruler (Naduvazhi), who ordered to construct a temple at that place.
Nammalwar the famous hindu religious poet has sung many verses in praise of this place and the Lord Padmanabha. His period was during the 9th century proving the fame of the temple dating back to several years.

Important Festivals
• Painguni Uthsavam March-April 10 days Arattu
• Navarathri September/October
• Murajapam Once in six years
• Ganapathi Homam 12 days September/October
• Vinayaka Chathurthi August/September
• Ashtami Rohini August/September
The daily rituals at sree padmanabha swamy temple starts at 3:00AM and closes around 1:00PM. The temple reopens at 4:00PM for the evening rituals. http://www.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org/