Temples of Trivandrum are a reflection of the city’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Each temple in Trivandrum tells a story of ancient traditions, architectural splendor, and profound devotion.

Trivandrum attracts countless pilgrims from all over India who seek to immerse themselves in its rich religious heritage. Some of these temples have such cultural significance that they are among the top attractions of Trivandrum. During a recent visit with my family, I got an opportunity to check off some landmark temples of Trivandrum.

In this exploration, we will journey through seven of the most famous temples in Trivandrum, uncovering the unique stories, traditions, and spiritual essence that make each of them a cherished landmark.

Read 20 Most Famous Temples of Kerala

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most famous and important temple in Trivandrum.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desoms or “holy abodes” of Lord Vishnu. The inner sanctum of the temple shows Lord Vishnu in the Anantha Sheyana pose. In this pose, Lord Vishnu is depicted in a reclining pose on the serpent Adi Shesha, whose multiple hoods form a protective canopy over him.

The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring architecture, combining the traditional Kerala architecture with the 16^th century Dravidian style. The gopuram of the temple is a 100-foot tall structure with a golden tint, reflecting its grandeur and royal heritage.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple gained global attention in 2011 when a hidden treasure trove worth billions of dollars was discovered within its vaults. This massive treasure includes gold coins, jewels, and precious stones, emphasizing the temple’s historical and financial significance.

Managed by the Travancore royal family, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple remains a focal point for devotees and tourists alike, offering a spiritual experience intertwined with the allure of history and legend.

Interesting Fact: The name “Thiruvananthapuram” means the “City of Ananta,” derived from the rich heritage of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Attukal Baghavati Temple

Attukal Baghavati Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, is a renowned temple in Trivandrum, known world over for its Attukal Pongala festival.

The origin of Attukal Baghavati Temple is acossiated with the legend of Kannagi, a chaste woman who protested against the Madhurai Kind for the unlawful beheading of her husband without a proper trial. It is believed that the king and the kingdom burnt to ashes, as such was the power of her chastity.

Known affectionately as the “Sabarimala of Women,” Attukal Bhagavathy Temple holds a unique place in the hearts of millions of female devotees. The temple is celebrated for the annual Attukal Pongala festival in February March. This grand event sees millions of women gather to prepare Pongala, a sweet offering made of rice, jaggery, and coconut, cooked in earthen pots.

Interesting Fact: The festival has earned a place in the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity, highlighting its immense cultural and social significance.

Pazhavangady Ganapathy Temple

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, located in the heart of Trivandrum is a Sri Ganesha temple with a unique history. The main idol in the temple is that of Mahaganapathy is a seated position with the right leg folded.

The temple was initially constructed in 1765 and underwent significant renovations in the 1860. This temple was maintained by the Nair community in the colonial era, when they were soldiers in the local army. Every morning, the brigade had the habit of breaking coconut in front of the inner sanctum. The belief was that if the coconut shattered into proportionate sized pieces, there won’t be any war on the day.

This tradition has evolved over time and has now become an act to remove obstacles from your path. Devotees throng to the temple to offer coconuts to the deity, symbolizing the shattering of barriers and the seeking of divine blessings.

Interesting Fact: To this day, Pazhavangady Ganapathy Temple is managed by an army battalion as a mark of maintaining its tradition.

Azhimala Shiva Temple

Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Aazhimala Siva Temple in Trivandrum is famous for its 58-foot-tall Shiva statue.

This 8^th century Shiva temple, located 7 kilometers from Kovalam, to the south of Trivandrum city, is a tranquil place of worship set in a picturesque backdrop.

The temple’s architecture is a blend of Pandyian style with traditional Kerala architecture. The use of bright colors and intricately carved sculpture of deities all along the outer wall of the temple reflect its Pandyian features.

The highlight of this temple is undoubtedly, the Shiva statue in the Gangadhareshwara pose. This statue, built by a local sculptor, P.S Devadathan, has transformed the temple into a tourist attraction in Trivandrum.

Interesting Fact: The Shiva statue at Azhimala Shva Temple is the tallest Shiva statue in Kerala and the largest in the Gangadhareshwara pose in India.

Sree Janardana Swami Temple

Located in the coastal town of Varkala, the Sree Janardana Swami Temple is a revered temple in Trivandrum.

 Dedicated to deity Vishnu in the form of Janardanaswamy, it is believed to be thousands of years old. According to legend, Brahma cursed the devas to be born as humans on Earth, and their penance to Vishnu at Varkala relieved them of this curse.

Other legends tell of Brahma performing a yajna here, with Vishnu appearing to remind him of his duties. Varkala, a sacred pilgrim center, is home to the Papanasam beach, where devotees believe sins are washed away.

The temple is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams and is mentioned in ancient texts like the Puranas and Itihasas. It features traditional Kerala architecture with a circular sanctum and a copper-sheathed dome. The temple’s presiding deity, Janardanaswamy, stands facing east, with a significant myth that the world will end when his hand reaches his mouth.

Interesting Fact: The temple is also known for its rituals, including offerings to departed souls, and the ten-day Arattu festival.

Sri Parashurama Temple

Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Swami Temple is one of South India’s most ancient temples. Located on the banks of the Karamana River, it is the only temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama in Kerala.

According to legend, Kerala was created by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, who threw his axe across the sea to reclaim land. He made the land fertile with the help of the Snake King Vasuki.

The temple, believed to be last renovated in the 12th to 13th centuries, is famous for the Balitharpanam ritual.  In this ritual, devotees pay homage to their ancestors during the Karkidaka Vavu day by taking a holy dip and performing rites. This temple was built by Brahmins in honor of Lord Parasurama, who gifted the land to them.

Interesting Fact: Sri Parashurama Temple is recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a monument of national importance.

Rock Cut Cave Shiva Temple

The Rock Cut Cave Shiva Temple, located in Vizhinjam near Trivandrum, is a remarkable example of ancient rock-cut architecture.

Carved out of a single rock in the 8th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a Shiva lingam (symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) in the sanctum.

The granite cave features a one-celled shrine with a sculpture of Vinadhara Dakshinamurti. The outer wall of the cave has unfinished reliefs of Shiva as “Tripurantakara” and “Nataraja” with Parvati.

The temple’s interior walls are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the artistic prowess of ancient craftsmen. Despite its small size, the Rock Cut Cave Shiva Temple holds great historical and religious significance.

We didn’t find much here, but visited this temple due to its cultural significance. Historically, Vizhinjam was the capital for local chieftains and once housed Dutch and British factories, though no remnants remain. This temple is perhaps the only surviving remnants of the era.

Interesting Fact: Rock Cut Cave Shiva Temple is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Wrapping Up: 7 Famous Temples of Trivandrum

The famous temples of Trivandrum are not only significant spiritual landmarks but also magnificent embodiments of Kerala’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. From the grandeur of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the serene beauty of Aazhimala Siva Temple, each shrine offers a unique glimpse into the region’s ancient traditions and religious practices.