Gwalior

Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Kovalam Beach of Trivandrum Post -16

On my next trip, I have planed Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, and Rameshwaram.

I reached Trivandrum via Mumbai by the plan. I left Bhopal early in the morning at 8.30 AM, halt at Mumbai for connecting flight but it was got late and reached Trivandrum 11.30 PM.

Trivandrum is the old name of the capital of Kerala. It is popular in day to day spoken of the public. The new name is Thiruvananthapuram.

I have not booked a hotel in advance and it was late when I came out of the airport. The hotel I got was not quite well. It is the need of hours, I stayed here. I asked the manager that the temples around the Trivandrum and beaches around the Trivandrum.

I was getup early by the grace of bugs and mosquito. My phone watch saying 5.30 AM. Just wandering here and there, I felt that the city is clean and green. I prepared for Padmanabha Swamy temple.

Padmanabha Swamy temple

Padmanabha Swamy temple is the world-famous temple of Trivandrum dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

History of temple

The detail that who built Padmanabha Swamy temple is not available. MarthandaVerma king of Travancore renovated the temple. The wooden idol replaced with the present idol. The Katusarkarayogam contained 12008 Saligram. Padamthreetham and Gopuram (entrance) were also completed during this period.

It is said that Balram came here and took a bath in Padamtheertham.

All the Saligram were collected from the bank of river Gandaki in Nepal.

Darshan(seen)Time

Morning-

3.15 am to 4.15 am(Nirmalya darshan)

6.30 am to 7.00 am

8.30 am to 9.15 am

Evening-

5.00 pm to 6.15 pm

6.45 pm to 7.20 pm

Rules and Dress Code

The temple is famous for its strict rules and dress code. The first and foremost rule is that only Hindus are allowed in the temple. As per the Padmanabha Swamy temple website, the dress code for men is Dhoti with or without Angavastra. The dress code for women in Sari, Dhoti with Blouse. Salvar suits or other modern dresses are not allowed.

Don't worry if you have not Dhoti with you. There is a store on the temple premises, where you can purchase Dhoti immediately. You can also keep your mobile belt, begs and other items in the cloakroom, which are not allowed in the temple.

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Darshan

The idol of Padmanabha Swamy may be seen on five hooded Serpent Anantha. The head position is towards the south and feet position is towards the north. The idol is in a sleeping position.

There are three get in the shrine. We can see Lord Vishnu kept his hand on Shivling from the first door. Brahmaji emerges on a lotus in the second door, the third door Sree Devi (Laxmi)and Bhudevi (goddess of earth) are by the side of Lord Vishnu.

The three supreme power Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are believed and worshipped in Hindu mythology.

Brahma       The creature

Vishnu.        The administrator /maintenance

Mahesh        The destroyer

The whole statue of Lord Vishnu is in sleeping posture seen in three doors.

Carving artwork may be seen everywhere inside the temple. During the evening there is a very beautiful, mesmerizing Shasranama program. Must attend for an amazing experience of meditation.Sit down here for hours and feel the presence of Lord Padmanabha.

Richest Temple of India

Padmanabha Swamy temple is the richest temple in India. The wealth is of around 22 billion dollars (Rs.90000 crore). As per the order of the Supreme court, 6 vaults of the temple opened in 2011. Gold coins, gold chain, thrones of gold, idols of gold and many other valuable items found in these vaults.

Name of capital

The name of the capital Thiruvananthapuram taken from the temple.  Lord Anantha Padmanabha provided the name of the capital.

Beaches around Trivandrum

There are many beaches in and around the city.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach is near about 18 Km from the city. Taxi, buses auto are easily available. We can divide the beach into three-part as

Lighthouse beach

Hawah beach

Samudra beach

Beautiful beach, water is clean you can swim here. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the beach from the lighthouse.Sit here up to sunset.

There are many hotels and restaurants facing the sea. Food, as you wish, is available. The nearby hilly area also increased the beauty of the beach.

Shangumugham Beach

Shangumugham beach is the second most popular beach. It is 5.8 Km from the city. Well, maintained beach Sunset view is good. Vendors provide a verity of foods. You can easily be reached at the airport from the beach.

Golden Sand Beach

As reflected in the name, here the color of the sand is golden. So it is called a golden sand beach.

Thumb a Beach

Thumb a beach is a less crowded countryside beach. The cleanliness of the beach is appreciable. Nice row of the coconut trees. But it is a lonely place so don't stay alone till late.

Vizhinjam Beach

The beach is also known as fisherman beach.  So many seafood restaurants are available here. It is 16.8 Km from the city.

The place is also known for the Ayurveda treatment center. The port is near to this beach also an attraction. You can purchase fresh fish from the fish market.

St.Andrew Beach

The beach is in front of the church. The distance from the city is 11 Km. This is the place which turned your evening charming. Calm and silent beach not so crowded. But it is not neat and clean as Kovalam or Shangumugham beach. I have not seen any security person /guard here. So please be aware of your safety. Shops and vendors are rarer.

It was the last period of my Thiruvananthpuram journey. I reached the hotel and packed my beg for Kanyakumari and told goodbye to all bugs and mosquito.

But don't gauge Thiruvananthpuram by this hotel. It is a green, clean and nice city.

The city of Kovalam beach.The city of Shri Padmanabha Swamy. If you come here you will never forget it in your life.

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