The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, stands as a revered Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Vishnu. Renowned as one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred abodes of Vishnu in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, it holds the distinction of being recognized as the wealthiest Hindu temple globally. The name 'Thiruvananthapuram' in Malayalam and Tamil translates to "The City of Ananta," with Ananta representing a form of Vishnu.
This architectural marvel seamlessly blends elements of Kerala and Dravidian styles, boasting towering walls and a majestic 16th-century gopuram. While some traditions trace the spiritual roots of the deity to the Ananthapura temple in Kumbla, Kasaragod district, architecturally, the temple bears resemblance to the Adikesava Perumal temple in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
At the heart of the temple lies the principal deity, Padmanabhaswamy, depicted in the Anantashayana posture—a form of Vishnu reclining on the serpent mount, Shesha, in eternal yogic slumber. Padmanabhaswamy holds profound significance as the guardian deity of the Travancore royal family, with the current trustee being the titular Maharaja of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma.