SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Overlooking the Padma Theertham reservoir, it is dedicated to Vishnu, here lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded serpent that gave its name to the city. Notable, the main idol is composed of more than 12 000 shaligrams (black fossils close to ammonites representing the god Vishnu for the Hinduists). With its innumerable pillars, its marvelous and complex carvings and frescoes, this temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian and Kerala style of architecture. Its legendary seven imposing towers make it the most impressive monument in the city. The exact date of construction of this masterpiece is not known. However, this sacred place is mentioned in many Hindu religious texts suggesting that it was built before the 8th century AD.

The greatest treasure discovered in the world is in its cellars: estimated at 22 billion euros (!), it consists of quintals of gold, statues, bags of diamonds, old coins, etc. Among the most remarkable items: a sheaf of 500 kilos of pure gold, a gold chain of 5 meters long, weighing more than 10 kilos, an embroidered veil of 36 kilos of gold... Many legends and superstitions resurface, evoking a curse that will fall on the city at the opening of the last cellar. Because of this discovery, the security measures are maximal and the entrance for the non-Hindus rigorously forbidden.