Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river; the shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu ॐ symbol. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means "Lord of Omkaara or the Lord of the Om Sound") and one to Amareshwar (whose name means "Immortal lord" or "lord of the Immortals or Devas").

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga also has its own history and stories.Three of them are prominent. The first story is about Vindhya Parvat (Mount). Once upon a time Narada (son of Lord Brahma), known for his non-stop cosmic travel, visited Vindhya parvat. In his spicy way Narad told Vindhya Parvat about the greatness of Mount Meru. This made Vindhya jealous of Meru and he decided to be bigger than Meru. Vindhya started worship of Lord Shiva to become greater than Meru. Vindhya Parvat practiced severe penance and worshipped parthivlinga (A linga made from physical material) along with Lord Omkareshwar for nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him with his desired boon. On a request of all the gods and the sages Lord Shiva made two parts of the lingas. One half is called Omkareshwara and the other Mamaleshwar or Amareshwar. Lord Shiva gave the boon of growing, but took a promise that Vindhya will never be a problem to Shiva's devotees. Vindhya began to grow, but did not keep his promise. It even obstructed the sun and the moon. All deities approached sage Agastya for help. Agastya along with his wife came to Vindhya, and convinced him that he would not grow until the sage and his wife returned. They never returned and Vindhya is there as it was when they left. The sage and his wife stayed in Srisailam which is regarded as Dakshina Kashi and one of the Dwadash Jyotirlinga.

The second story relates to Mandhata and his son's penance. King Mandhata of Ikshvaku clan (an ancestor of Lord Ram) worshipped Lord Shiva here till the Lord manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga. Some scholars also narrate the story about Mandhata's sons-Ambarish and Muchukunda, who had practiced severe penance and austerities here and pleased Lord Shiva. Because of this the mountain is named Mandhata.

The third story from Hindu scriptures says that once upon a time there was a great war between Devas and Danavas(demon), in which Danavas won. This was a major setback for Devas and hence Devas prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayer, Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated Danavas.

There is a good number of public transport available from and to Omkareshwar. The temple is well maintained by the authorities. Also, the location is full of peace and serenity and one can enjoy the beautiful aura of Omkareshwar at the ghats of Narmada river. The river is clean and full of fresh water.

Near to Omkareshwar temple (around 100 m away), one can have darshan of Mamleshwar, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. There is a bridge over Narmada river connecting Omkareshwar temple and Mamleshwar temple. One can also take boats and jetty to cross the river and reach Mamleshwar temple. The temple is thousands of years old and having linga of shiva in the main temple known as Mamleshwar. One can observe the peaceful and soothing environment at this 4th Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlinga of Shiva.

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Mantralayam Matam

The Raghavendra Swami Brindavan is located in Mantralayam, which is in Western Andhra Pradesh in the district of Kurnool.

Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy(1595–1671) is a respected 16th century Hindu saint who advocated Madhvism (worship of Vishnu as the supreme God) and Sri Madhvacharya's Dvaita philosophy. He ascended Brindavana at Mantralayam in present day Andhra Pradesh in 1671. His Brindavanam in Mantralayam situated in Andhra Pradesh, India is a pilgrimage destination. This is the most important place to be visited by the piligrims. Facing this is the Anjaneya Temple and in front of it the Sri Mrityunjayayeswara Temple.

To the right of the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan is the beautiful Brindavan in honour of Sri Vadindra Thirtha.

To the left of the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan at a short distance are situated in order the brindavans in honour of Sri Suvratindya, Sri Sudharmendra and Sri Suyamindra Thirthas. On a raised platform facing this is the Asvatha Tree surrounded by a number of Naga images. To the left of these Brindavan are the samee Vriksha, the large Boarding hall, a school and some cowsheds.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt belongs to the lineage (parampara) of Hamsa naamaka Paramaatma, adorned, in the early phase of its history, by various Tapaswis and Rishis. Sri Madhwacharya, the proponent of Dwaita Vedanta, had formally launched this Mutt, with His Sishya, Sri Padmanabha Tirtha as its Prime Guru. Many scholarly Gurus and Tapaswis, such as, Sri Jayatirtha, Sri Ramachandra Tirtha, Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha, Sri Jitamitra Tirtha, Sri Raghunandana Tirtha, Sri Surendra Tirtha, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, Sri Sudhindra Tirtha and Sri Raghavendra Tirtha, have embellished this Parampara, by taking upon the position of Main Pomtiff of this Mula Mutt. In view of the significant distinction of Sri Raghavendra Tirtha, to the mystic, spiritual and intellectual domains of human life, this Mutt came to be known as Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, since the period of Sri Raghavendra Tirtha.

Whatever be the claims of many other Mutts, Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt has been adored and heralded as the Main Mula Mutt in the tradition of Sri Madhwacharya.

The prominent Pontiffs of this Mutt, who have contributed to the cause of propagation of Madhwa Philosophy by writing profound Books of Philosophy, and to that of realising the welfare of the devotees, in a committed manner, to name only a few are the following: Sri Yogindra Tirtha, Sri Surindra Tirtha, Sri Sumatindra Tirtha, Sri Upendra Tirtha, Sri Vadindra Tirtha, Sri Varadendra Tirtha, Sri Dhirendra Tirtha, Sri Sushilendra Tirtha, Sri Suvratindra Tirtha, Sri Suyamindra Tirtha, Sri Sujayindra Tirtha, Sri Sushamindra Tirtha and Sri Suyatindra Tirtha. The present Pithadhipati of this Glorious Parampara of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, is Sri Sri Subudhendra Tirtha.

It is in Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, that the Vigraha of Sri MulaRama, originally worshipped by Sri Chaturmukha Brahma, the Vigraha of Sri Digvijaya Rama, originally worshipped by Sri Madhvacharya, the Vigraha of Sri JayaRama, originally worshipped by Sri Jayatirtha, are being worshipped with devotion and gaiety, by the various Pontiffs, of this Parampara.

There are many other Mutts, in the space of Madhva Philosophy, engaged in the tasks of propagating Madha Philosophy among the masses. To name only a few, these are the following: Ashtha Mathas (Eight Mutts) of Udupi owing their origination to the eight direct disciples of Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Sriapdaraja Mutt, deriving its name from its prominent Guru of its parampara, viz. Sri Sripadarajaru, Sri Vyasaraya Mutt, deriving its name from the illustrious guru of its parampara, viz. Sri Vyasaraya, and Sri Uttaradi Mutt, recognising its origination to Sri Vidyanidhi Tirtha and having Sri Raghuttama Tirtharu, as one of its prominent Pontiffs.
It is worth noting that almost all Madhva devotees are the disciples of Sri Raghavendra Tirtharu, in so far as they seek the fulfilment of their worldly wishes, from the grace of Sri Raghavendra Tirtharu and also to the extent they seek knowledge from the profound Granthas of Sri Raghavendra Tirtharu.

We pray Sri Raghavendra Tirtha, known as Kaliyuga Kamadhenu and Kaliyuga Kalpataru, to bestow His Grace on all His Devotees, for the fulfillment of their wishes and thereby for serving the cause of Human Happiness and Spiritual Realization.

Sri Raghavendra Theertha is also known as Guru Rajaru and Rayaru lovingly by his devotees. Famous 2-stanza sloka praising Sri Raghavendra goes thus

"Poojyaaya Raaghavendraaya Satya Dharma Rathaayacha |
Bhajataam Kalpa Vrukshaaya Namathaam Kaamadhenave ||"

Manchalamma Temple, Sri Venkateswara Temple, Shiv Lingam and Panchamukhi Anjaneya swami temple are the other famous temples to visit near the Sri Ragavendra Swamy matam in Mantralayam.

Additional information on  http://mandirinfo.com/TempleDetails.aspx?HID=287

नागचंद्रेश्वर मंदिर

सनातन धर्म में नागपंचमी को नाग की पूजा का विशेष महत्व है, और यही कारण है कि इस दिन नाग मंदिरों में विशेष पूजा-अर्चना होती है। मध्य प्रदेश के उज्जैन स्थित नागचंद्रेश्वर मंदिर के पट (दरवाजे) वर्ष मेंं एक बार 24 घंटे के लिए नागपंचमी पर खुलते हैं। इस बार पट मंगलवार आधी रात यानी 12 बजे खुले। नागचंदे्रश्वर का मंदिर महाकालेश्वर मंदिर के सबसे ऊपरी तल पर स्थित है। इस मंदिर में 11वीं शताब्दी की प्रतिमा स्थापित है।

एक प्रतिमा में नाग के फन पर शंकर पार्वती विराजमान हैं और इस प्रतिमा के दर्शन के बाद ही नागचंद्रेश्वर महादेव के दर्शन होते हैं। मान्यता है कि नागपंचमी के मौके पर इस मंदिर के दर्शन से कई समस्याओं से मुक्ति मिलती है, क्योंकि खुद नागदेवता इस दिन मंदिर में आते हैं।

दशमुखी सर्प शय्या पर विराजमान हैं भोले भंडारी

नागचंद्रेश्वर मंदिर में 11वीं शताब्दी की एक अद्भुत प्रतिमा है, इसमें फन फैलाए नाग के आसन पर शिव-पार्वती बैठे हैं. कहते हैं यह प्रतिमा नेपाल से यहां लाई गई थी. उज्जैन के अलावा दुनिया में कहीं भी ऐसी प्रतिमा नहीं है. पूरी दुनिया में यह एकमात्र ऐसा मंदिर है, जिसमें विष्णु भगवान की जगह भगवान भोलेनाथ सर्प शय्या पर विराजमान हैं. मंदिर में स्थापित प्राचीन मूर्ति में शिवजी, गणेशजी और मां पार्वती के साथ दशमुखी सर्प शय्या पर विराजित हैं. शिवशंभु के गले और भुजाओं में भुजंग लिपटे हुए हैं.

क्या है पौराणिक मान्यता? 

सर्पराज तक्षक ने शिवशंकर को मनाने के लिए घोर तपस्या की थी. तपस्या से भोलेनाथ प्रसन्न हुए और उन्होंने सर्पों के राजा तक्षक नाग को अमरत्व का वरदान दिया. मान्यता है कि उसके बाद से तक्षक राजा ने प्रभु के सा‍‍‍न्निध्य में ही वास करना शुरू कर दिया. लेकिन महाकाल वन में वास करने से पूर्व उनकी यही मंशा थी कि उनके एकांत में विघ्न ना हो अत: वर्षों से यही प्रथा है कि मात्र नागपंचमी के दिन ही वे दर्शन को उपलब्ध होते हैं. 

शेष समय उनके सम्मान में परंपरा के अनुसार मंदिर बंद रहता है. इस मंदिर में दर्शन करने के बाद व्यक्ति किसी भी तरह के सर्पदोष से मुक्त हो जाता है, इसलिए नागपंचमी के दिन खुलने वाले इस मंदिर के बाहर भक्तों की लंबी कतार लगी रहती है.

दो लाख से ज्यादा भक्त करते हैं नागदेवता के दर्शन 

यह मंदिर काफी प्राचीन है. माना जाता है कि परमार राजा भोज ने 1050 ईस्वी के लगभग इस मंदिर का निर्माण करवाया था. इसके बाद सिं‍धिया घराने के महाराज राणोजी सिंधिया ने 1732 में महाकाल मंदिर का जीर्णोद्धार करवाया था. उस समय इस मंदिर का भी जीर्णोद्धार हुआ था. सभी की यही मनोकामना रहती है कि नागराज पर विराजे शिवशंभु की उन्हें एक झलक मिल जाए. लगभग दो लाख से ज्यादा भक्त एक ही दिन में नागदेव के दर्शन करते हैं.

नागपंचमी पर वर्ष में एक बार होने वाले भगवान 

नागचंद्रेश्वर के दर्शन के लिए एक दिन पहले ही रात 12 बजे मंदिर के पट खोल दिए जाते हैं. दूसरे दिन नागपंचमी को रात 12 बजे मंदिर में फिर आरती होती है और मंदिर के पट पुनः बंद कर दिए जाते हैं. नागचंद्रेश्वर मंदिर की पूजा और व्यवस्था महानिर्वाणी अखाड़े के संन्यासियों द्वारा की जाती है.

Additional information on http://mandirinfo.com/TempleDetails.aspx?HID=366

Surendrapuri

Surendrapuri is a unique one-stop destination where you can see epitome of cultural, artistic and sculptural excellence. Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam, one-of-its-kind mythological theme park. The other major attractions of this place are Nagakoti (101-feet Shiva Linga) and a temple of Panchamukhi Hanuman with Panchmukha Shiva and Lord Venketaswara.

Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam is a spiritual and mythological awareness center where one can relive the ancient Indian epics. Most of the historic temples of India are recreated here. Visit Sapta Lokas for the immense feel of serenity amidst the nature’s beauty. This brings vibrant feelings as you emerge from a magnificent jewel of art and religion. Kaladhamam depicts most of the mythological events from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatam, Buddha and many more.

The sprawling 3 km of walkways with more than 3000 statues, provides a delighted tour to the replica of Epic Period gone by! This place is a must visit for a holistic experience. Here visitors can refresh their knowledge about the ancient epics.

The wonderful and beautiful sculptures in the museum make visitors recollect the epics and would get transported into divine world of the great Hindu mythology. For the first time in India such a marvel has been created with the concept of making people see the celestial world of Indian mythology and values of our culture and tradition.

The main attraction of this temple is 60' double sided Panchamukha Hanuman & Panchamukha Shiva idol situated in the Surendrapuri temple complex which is seen from long distance.

One can have the darshan of all the deities of well known piligrimage centres of India. Here we get to see life size replicas of all the famous temples of India in one place. In one glance we get to see temples from kashmir to kanyakumari.

The great celestial worlds of Bramhalok, Vishnulok, shivalok, Nagalok, Indralok, Yamalok, Narakalok, Patalalok can be visited here. The experience of walking through the seven doors of vishnulok with the dashavataras on both sides is in explicable. Similarly all the other lokas are designed in such a way that you get transported into a celestial world.

About Sri Kunda Satyanarayana garu(Creator):

This mythological marvel is the brain child of a great visionary Sri Kunda Satyanarayana. Hailing from a poor family of a small village, Sri Kunda Satyanarayana had neither formal higher education nor any extensive travel background of distant pilgrim centres, except a great love for our culture and tradition. After the death of his youngest son, Surendra Babu, he intensely desired to do something in his memory and the idea of building a mythological park came up in his mind. The nearing retirement age, the fear of providing huge finances for the project and the discouragement from even his close circles because of his old age did not deter his firm resolve to build the great mythological museum, made the vision grow stronger day by day with greater zeal. It made him work for 12 years discussing the idea with different people and taking their views on his dream project.

He determined to do it all by himself. He took the help of some senior sculptors and started off his work. Every step was new and there was nobody to guide him through and yet he did it. Finally he was 70 years by the time he made the museum. He was least bothered about his failing health, regular travel, hard work and financial crunch which he faced while making this project and completed it with meticulous perfection. He is a man of high spiritual principles and through his exemplary life and achievement, he demonstrated to the world that where there is a ‘will’, there is a way and through determination man can achieve anything even being old and weak cannot stop you. He is wholeheartedly supported by his noble and ever loving wife Smt. Hymavathi , who stood by him through thick and thin. She is a symbol of noble virtues and replica of human values. She made charity as her life breath and helped everyone to the extent possible without expecting anything in return.

For all those who endeavor to achieve something great in their lives in any field, this couple stands as role models to emulate. Their individuality itself is a big library. There is no wisdom which is not available here for the one who has an urge to learn and adopt.

टूटी झरना मंदिर

झारखंड को राम के काल में दंडकारण्य का क्षेत्र कहा जाता था। यह उस काल में ऋषियों की तपोभूमि था। घने जंगलों से घिरे इस क्षे‍त्र में कई ऋषियों के आश्रम थे जहां देवता उनसे मिलने आते थे। इसी झारखंड के रामगढ़ जिले में एक चमत्कारिक शिवमंदिर है, जिसके बारें में कहा जाता है कि इसके चमत्कार को देखकर अंग्रेज काल में अंग्रेजों की आंखें फटी की फटी रह गई थी। इस मंदिर की कहानी और प्रसिद्धि दूर-दूर तक फैली है। इस प्राचीन शिवमंदिर को "टूटी झरना" के नाम से जाना जाता है।

भगवान शंकर के शिवलिंग पर जलाभिषेक कोई और नहीं स्वयं मां गंगा करती हैं. मंदिर की खासियत यह है कि यहां जलाभिषेक साल के बारह महीने और चौबीस घंटे होता है. यह पूजा सदियों से चली आ रही है. माना जाता है कि इस जगह का उल्‍लेख पुराणों में भी मिलता है. भक्तों की आस्‍था है कि यहां पर मांगी गई हर मुराद पूरी होती है.

अंग्रेजों के जमाने से जुड़ा है इतिहास

झारखंड के रामगढ़ जिले में स्थित इस प्राचीन शिव मंदिर को लोग टूटी झरना के नाम से जानते है. मंदिर का इतिहास 1925 से जुड़ा हुआ है और माना जात है कि तब अंग्रेज इस इलाके से रेलवे लाइन बिछाने का काम कर रहे थे. पानी के लिए खुदाई के दौरान उन्हें जमीन के अन्दर कुछ गुम्बदनुमा चीज दिखाई पड़ा. अंग्रेजों ने इस बात को जानने के लिए पूरी खुदाई करवाई और अंत में ये मंदिर पूरी तरह से नजर आया.

शिव भगवान की होती है पूजा 

मंदिर के अन्दर भगवान भोले का शिव लिंग मिला और उसके ठीक ऊपर मां गंगा की सफेद रंग की प्रतिमा मिली. प्रतिमा के नाभी से आपरूपी जल निकलता रहता है जो उनके दोनों हाथों की हथेली से गुजरते हुए शिव लिंग पर गिरता है. मंदिर के अन्दर गंगा की प्रतिमा से स्वंय पानी निकलना अपने आप में एक कौतुहल का विषय बना है.

मां गंगा की जल धारा का रहस्‍य

सवाल यह है कि आखिर यह पानी अपने आप कहा से आ रहा है. ये बात अभी तक रहस्य बनी हुई है. कहा जाता है कि भगवान शंकर के शिव लिंग पर जलाभिषेक कोई और नहीं स्वयं मां गंगा करती हैं. यहां लगाए गए दो हैंडपंप भी रहस्यों से घिरे हुए हैं. यहां लोगों को पानी के लिए हैंडपंप चलाने की जरूरत नहीं पड़ती है बल्कि इसमें से अपने-आप हमेशा पानी नीचे गिरता रहता है. वहीं मंदिर के पास से ही एक नदी गुजरती है जो सूखी हुई है लेकिन भीषण गर्मी में भी इन हैंडपंप से पानी लगातार निकलता रहता है.

दर्शन के लिए बड़ी संख्‍या में आते हैं श्रद्धालु 

लोग दूर-दूर से यहां पूजा करने आते हैं और साल भर मंदिर में श्रद्धालुओं का तांता लगा रहता है. श्रद्धालुओं का मानना हैं कि टूटी झरना मंदिर में जो कोई भक्त भगवान के इस अदभुत रूप के दर्शन कर लेता है उसकी मुराद पूरी हो जाती है. भक्त शिवलिंग पर गिरने वाले जल को प्रसाद के रूप में ग्रहण करते हैं और इसे अपने घर ले जाकर रख लेते हैं. इसे ग्रहण करने के साथ ही मन शांत हो जाता है और दुखों से लड़ने की ताकत मिल जाती है.

Sri Kanakala Katta Maisamma Temple

Sri Kanakala Katta Maisamma Temple is located at lower tank bund near Indira Park heart of Hyderabad city(between Hyderabad & Secunderabad). Katta Maisamma Temple is one of the most significant temples in the city of Hyderabad. The main deity is Goddess Katta Maisamma(Maa Durga Devi) as the supreme power. She has been looked upon as the all powerful, the eternal, as well as the giver of health, prosperity and happiness to the devotees.

The word Katta denotes a bridge across a river or a lake. The Golconda Patel family built the Katta Maisamma Temple during the construction of the Tankbund to procure the Goddesses' favor and blessing for the well being of people crossing the bridge. Even the Nizam of Hyderabad would make an offering to the Goddess in the month of ashad to secure the safety of Hyderabad. During massive floods in Hyderabad in 1908, Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan performed offerings to the goddess on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake and immediately the floods were under control which saved Hyderabad from devastating damage.

Huge crowd of devotees gathered during the time of Bonalu festival in Ashada Masam(July) and offer prayers to Goddess Katta Maisamma. Dasara and Diwali festivals are also grandly celebrated here. During this festival Ammavaru will be decorated in different forms which attracts the large crowd of devotees every year.

Additional information available on http://mandirinfo.com/TempleDetails.aspx?HID=355

Sri Bugga Rajeshwara Swamy Temple

Sri Bugga Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is situated in Bellampalli, Mancherial district of Telangana. This holy temple is usually known as the "Abode of Rajeshwara". This shrine is commonly known for its spiritual sanctity and architectural grandeur. The main deity of this temple is Lord Sri Buggaa Raja Rajeshwara Swami.

On architectural styles and patterns of Dravidan Hindu temple architecture, Sri Bugga Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is based perfectly. With local or regional architectural patterns and styles, it is certainly blended. Visitors and tourists really admire the architecture of Sri Rajeshwara Swamy Temple. This temple is one of the best religious building structure among the shrines that are wholeheartedly dedicated to Lord Sri Rajeshwara Swamy Temples in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The temple towers are filled with beautiful images of local Gods and Goddesses. The ceiling is in a simple form but the flooring is highly attractive with black granite slabs of huge size. It is a medium sized Hindu temple that has separate entrance and exist gateways with small towers. The primary idol is placed on a raised platform as per the Vasthu Sastra of the place and the village exclusively. The walls of this shrine are dotted with ways from the purana and religious tales. There are only few sub-temples in the complex that are arranged as per the Vedic rules and regulation. The temple has good courtyard that is really apt for conducting religious events, functions and activities. As per the local legends and religious scholars, the sub-temples are recent addition that took place a few decades before; there was only the main sanctum in the temple complex.

As per Pancharathra Agama, In Sri Bugga Rajeshwara Swamy Temple of kannala, most of the pujas and rituals are religiously performed. During the minor and major Hindu festivals, this tmmplle is marked with different types of rituals and pujas such as Chatukala puja, Nishikala puja, Pradosakala Puja, and Madhyahnika Puja. The major festivals of this temple are Mahasivarathri Kartheeka Masotsavam Jathra. All other hindu festivals also celebrated here.

A large number local people visit this shrine on festive occasions and events.

Additional information on http://mandirinfo.com/TempleDetails.aspx?HID=310

Sree Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located inside East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala, India. This temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is also one of the seven Parasurama temples in Kerala. And references of this temple are there in texts like the Puranas, viz. the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. The temple stands close to the holy tank - Padma Theertham, which means “lotus spring”.
Lord Vishnu is enshrined here in the Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra), lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake. According to traditions, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram is believed to have been worshipped by Chandra (Moon God) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas)Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous Lord Vishnu Temples in Kerala, South India.The city of Thiruvananthapuram is named after the Lord. The word Thiruvananthapuram literally means "The land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy".

The history of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple dates back to 8th century. This Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Divya Desams are the holiest abodes of the Lord Mahavishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation.The Lord's right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord.

Marthanda Varma, the noted among Travancore kings did a major renovation to the temple and it resulted in the present day structure of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. It was Marthanda Varma who introduced the Murajapam and Bhadra Deepam festivals in the temple. Murajapam, which literally means continuous chanting of prayers, is still conducted in the temple once in six years.
The shrine is currently run by a trust headed by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. In 1750, Marthanda Varma dedicated the kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha. Marthanda Varma vowed that the royal family will rule the state on behalf of Lord and he and his descendants would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa or the Servant of Lord Padmanabha. Since then the name of every Travancore King was preceded by the title Padmanabha Dasa. The donation of the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabhaswamy was known as Thripadidanam. The current head of the Travancore Royal Family is Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

The idol of the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is noted for its composition, which has 12008 salagramams, which were brought from Nepal, taken from the banks of the River Gandhaki.

The garbhagriha or sanctorum of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is located on a stone slab and the main idol, which is about 18 ft long and Sree Padmanabhaswamy worshipped and can be viewed through three different doors. The head and chest are seen through the first door; while the hands can be sighted through the second door and the feet through the third door.

The idol of the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is noted for its composition, which has 12008 salagramams, which were brought from Nepal, taken from the banks of the River Gandhaki and they were brought to the temple with all pomp and gaiety on elephant top. On top of them "Katusarkara Yogam", Navaratnams, a special Ayurvedic mix, was used to give a plaster. Followers believe that the Lord has personally come in disguise and had saved many times the Travancore Kingdom from the clutches of enemies.

The temple also has some interesting structural features in the form of Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. These are halls, decorated with beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities. Another structure that captures attention here is the Navagraha Mandapa the ceiling of which displays the navagrahas (the nine planets).

Extending from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum is a broad corridor which has 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with beautiful carvings. There is a ground floor below under the main entrance in the eastern side, which is known as the nataka sala, where Kerala's classical art form - the Kathakali is performed during the annual ten-day festival at the temple, held during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam

Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple. And dress codes are to be strictly followed before entering the temple. Men should wear 'Mundu' or 'Dhoti' while visiting the temple. They also have to remove shirt or t-shirt above waist.

Women have to wear Sari (Saree), Mundum Neriyathum (set-mundu), Skirt and Blouse, or Half Sari. This means no pants for men or churidhar for women is allowed inside the temple. Dhotis are available for rent near temple locker room. Nowadays temple authorities allow wearing Dhotis over pants or churidhar for the convenience of devotees.

Additional details are available on http://mandirinfo.com/TempleDetails.aspx?HID=34