Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
What do you see when you walk into the most famous temple in south India? Some nice-looking statues, a small idol of an elephant-headed deity, and an altar with many fineries. However, when you start digging into the history of the Padmanabhaswamy temple, you’ll find out there is so much more to this temple than what meets the eye. Here are some of the most interesting facts about this treasure chest: the Padmanabhaswamy temple.
(Image Credits: SPSTT)
Architecture of Padmanabha Swamy Temple
India is known for its beautiful monuments, both old and new. But there’s one uniquely designed temple that is hard to describe the experience of being inside. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala, where you can worship Lord Padmanabha (also known as Lord Vishnu), is an avatar of Vishnu. The temple has four entrances and is square with two concentric squares. This unusual design is present throughout the entire temple complex. The inner temple building where Lord Padmanabha resides is a square with eight chambers surrounding a central chamber.
The temple has intricate carvings of mythological stories on its walls, ceilings, and pillars. In addition, many sculptures depict scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas (ancient Hindu texts). The images on the walls are so detailed that they’re like miniature paintings!
Symbol of Tolerance and Harmony
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most beautiful places in India, and it’s a symbol of tolerance and harmony. The temple’s architecture is Dravidian, a style once prevalent in South India—the original home of Hinduism. It was built in the 12th century. The temple is also considered one of the 108 Divya Desams, or sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu.
Collection of 365 Idols in Padmanabhaswamy Temple
One fascinating fact about the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is its collection of 365 idols. These idols represent one idol for each day of the year. These idols are a rare combination of eight metals: gold, silver, platinum, copper, iron, tin, lead, and mercury.
These idols were collected from all over India and contain special powers giving their owners success in business and protection from snake bites and other dangers. These idols are securely in an underground vault that can reach through seven gates (one for each day of the week). To contact the final gate, you must turn a ring inscribed with planetary symbols that can only be turned by chanting a specific mantra against each gate.
Hidden Gates in Padmanabhaswamy Temple
It is also one of the most mysterious temples in the world. Certain gates in the temple have had a seal for centuries and only recently have a few sections opened for public viewing. However, one of its most fascinating aspects is that no one knows what’s inside!
Some have speculated that secret underground passageways lead to libraries of ancient texts or even to other temples. Others believe the treasure room holds vast amounts of gold and precious metals. In contrast, others still think it may be a repository for all the swords used in ceremonies over the years or even a burial site for Rajput royalty. No one can say what is present behind these gates, but that makes it worth opening up!
Padmatheertham
Hidden in the endless list of facts about the Padmanabhaswamy Temple (or “Padma” as it’s affectionately known) is the story of a popular ritual that has stood the test of time. The temple, dedicated to Vishnu and attracts millions of pilgrims yearly, has a special bathing tank called the “Padmatheertham,” or “Tank for Bathing.”
The tank’s water is said to have magical powers, as one will never be able to accumulate bad karma after taking a dip there. Some people even believe that one can wash away their lifetime sins with just one visit to this holy tank!
Final Thoughts
Although the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is considered one of the world’s architectural marvels, with detailed carvings that date back to more than 1000 years ago, there are still many facts about this temple that most people do not know. This article strives to bring forth some lesser-known facts about the intricate work done in this temple and the exciting anecdotes attached to this structure. These facts will give you a great insight into India’s rich heritage and culture.
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