If you are planning a visit to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in 2026, the single most important thing to get right before you go is the temple timings. Miss the opening window, arrive during a pooja break, or show up on a restricted day — and your entire trip is wasted.
This guide gives you the complete, slot-by-slot darshan timings, the full daily ritual schedule, pooja-wise opening and closing hours, special seva timings, festival timing changes, VIP darshan windows, and everything else you need to plan a perfect visit to one of India’s holiest temples in 2026.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple VIP Darshan Booking 2026 – Timings, Ticket Price
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Quick Reference 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple |
| Also Known As | Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple |
| Location | East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695023 |
| Main Deity | Lord Vishnu (Anantha Shayana / reclining form) |
| Temple Opens | 3:30 AM (Nirmalya Darshan) |
| Temple Closes | 7:20 PM (General) / 9:00 PM (VIP Darshan) |
| Entry Permitted | Hindus only |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire mandatory (strictly enforced) |
| Entry Fee | Free (Special & VIP darshan charged separately) |
| Official Website | sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org |
| Online Booking | booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org |
| Contact Number | 85000 87012 |
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings 2026 — Complete Slot-by-Slot Schedule
The temple does not stay open in one continuous block. It follows a strict ritual-based schedule with multiple opening and closing windows throughout the day. Each window corresponds to a specific pooja or darshan session. Between sessions, the sanctum is closed to the public.
Morning Darshan Timings
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirmalya Darshan | 3:30 AM | 4:45 AM | Most auspicious slot; view of deity in pre-dawn state |
| Special Darshan (Morning) | 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM | Dedicated paid slot; faster entry |
| General Darshan | 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | Open to all; free entry; can be crowded |
| Usha Pooja Window | 10:30 AM | 11:10 AM | Shorter session between poojas |
| Midday Darshan | 11:45 AM | 12:00 PM | Final morning slot before afternoon closure |
Afternoon Break
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Temple closed for public darshan (ritual poojas only) |
Evening Darshan Timings
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM | 6:15 PM | Popular slot; moderate crowds on weekdays |
| Extended Darshan | 6:45 PM | 7:20 PM | Calm atmosphere; good for unhurried darshan |
| VIP / Night Darshan | 8:30 PM | 9:00 PM | Quietest, most peaceful slot of the day |
Pro Tip: The 3:30 AM Nirmalya Darshan and the 8:30 PM VIP Darshan are the two most spiritually significant and crowd-free windows. If you can attend either of these, your darshan experience will be on a completely different level compared to the peak-hour general slots.
Daily Pooja Schedule at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple 2026
The temple observes a full cycle of daily rituals (nithya poojas) from 3:30 AM to late evening. Each pooja has a spiritual significance rooted in ancient Vaishnava tradition. Understanding this schedule helps you align your visit with specific rituals you wish to witness or participate in.
| Pooja / Ritual | Approximate Time | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Nirmalya Darshan | 3:30 AM – 4:45 AM | Viewing the deity in the previous night’s adornments |
| Thiruvanandapuram | 3:30 AM | First ritual of the day; deeply sacred |
| Usha Pooja | 6:00 AM | Pre-sunrise pooja; devotees receive early blessings |
| Pantheeradi Pooja | ~7:00 AM | Sunrise pooja; one of the most auspicious of the day |
| Ethirtha Seeveli | Morning | Procession ritual |
| Kaappumizhikkal | Morning | Protective ritual offering |
| Udaya Martanda Seeveli | ~10:00 AM | Mid-morning procession |
| Ucha Seeveli | ~12:00 PM | Noon procession; one of the grandest of the day |
| Deeparadhana (Evening) | ~5:00 PM | Evening lamp ritual; visually spectacular |
| Athazha Pooja | ~7:00 PM | Night pooja; final formal ritual of the day |
| Thrippuka / Closing Ritual | ~7:20 PM – 9:00 PM | Temple concludes rituals; VIP darshan follows |
Note: Exact pooja times shift slightly based on the Malayalam calendar, festival days, and seasonal variations. Always verify the current day’s schedule at the temple notice board upon arrival or on the official website.
Special Sevas and Their Timings 2026
Special sevas (vazhipads) are individual or group ritual offerings performed in the name of a devotee. They require advance booking through the official portal and are separate from regular darshan. These are highly sought-after, especially during auspicious days.
| Seva Name | Timing | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Archana (Namam) | 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | ₹25 onwards |
| Sahasranama Archana | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | ₹100 onwards |
| Abhishekam | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | ₹1,500 |
| Udaya Pooja | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | ₹2,000 |
| Pantheeradi Pooja | ~7:00 AM | ₹5,000 |
| Nirmalyam to Deeparadhana | 3:30 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹3,000 |
| Nirmalyam to Usha Pooja | 3:30 AM – 6:30 AM | ₹4,000 |
| Nirmalyam to Pantheeradi | 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM | ₹5,000 |
| Half-Day Pooja | Morning through noon | ₹12,000 |
| Payasam Nivedyam | Various | ₹100 onwards |
| Annadanam (donation) | During booking | Flexible |
How to book sevas: Visit booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org, select your deity, choose the seva type, pick the date, enter your details, and complete payment online.
Darshan Ticket Prices 2026
| Darshan Type | Price | Entry Gate | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | East Gate | 45 min – 4 hrs (varies) |
| Special Darshan | ₹150 per person | East Gate | 20–45 min |
| Special Darshan + Prasadam | ₹180 per person | East Gate | 20–45 min |
| VIP Darshan | ₹500 per person | East Gate | 15–20 min |
| VIP for Two + Pooja Thali | ₹250 | East Gate | 15–20 min |
When Timings Change — Festival and Special Day Schedule
The standard timings listed above apply on regular days. On festival days, utsavam periods, and special occasions, the schedule shifts significantly — sessions are extended, additional poojas are added, and some slots may be merged or restricted.
Key Festivals That Affect Temple Timings in 2026
| Festival | Period | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Alpashy Utsavam | October – November | Extended timings, additional processions, longer queues |
| Painkuni (Panguni) Utsavam | March – April | All-day rituals, special night sevas, VIP slots fill in minutes |
| Vishu | April | Temple opens earlier, special morning sevas |
| Navaratri | September – October | Extended evening sessions, cultural programs |
| Laksha Deepam | Once every 6 years | Entire schedule restructured; 1 lakh lamps lit; once-in-a-lifetime event |
| Monthly Ekadashi | Every month | Special extended darshan; high demand for VIP slots |
| Thiruvonam (Onam) | August – September | Extended celebrations, traditional offerings |
Critical advice: During festival periods, arrive 1–2 hours before your booked slot. Even VIP queue formation begins much earlier than usual. Check the official website at least 3 days before your visit for any timing notifications.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings — Day-Wise Pattern
Not all days of the week are equal at this temple. Here is how crowd levels and timing experience differ across the week:
| Day | Crowd Level | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Low – Moderate | Ideal for general darshan without long wait |
| Tuesday | Low – Moderate | Good for seva bookings |
| Wednesday | Moderate | Manageable; book special darshan |
| Thursday | Moderate – High | Auspicious day for Vishnu temples; VIP darshan recommended |
| Friday | High | Very crowded; VIP darshan or early morning slot essential |
| Saturday | Very High | Book VIP darshan online well in advance |
| Sunday | Very High | Busiest day of the week; arrive 1 hour early even with VIP pass |
| Public Holidays | Extremely High | Only VIP darshan recommended; book 2–4 weeks early |
What Time Should You Visit? — Best Darshan Slot Guide
Choosing the right slot is as important as booking a ticket. Here is a clear guide:
For the most spiritually powerful experience: Choose the 3:30 AM Nirmalya Darshan. The temple is in its most sacred state — the deity is still adorned from the previous night, the air is still, and the number of devotees is minimal. This is the slot most long-time devotees swear by.
For a peaceful and unhurried darshan: Choose the 8:30 PM VIP Darshan slot. The day’s poojas are over, the atmosphere has settled, and this is the quietest the temple gets. You will have a clear, unobstructed, and unhurried view of Lord Padmanabha.
For families with children and elderly members: Choose the Evening session (5:00 PM – 6:15 PM) or Extended Darshan (6:45 PM – 7:20 PM) with a Special or VIP pass. These slots are cooler, calmer than peak morning hours, and more manageable for those who cannot stand for long.
For first-time visitors on a weekday: The 8:30 AM General Darshan is perfectly fine on a Monday to Thursday. Arrive 30 minutes early, join the Special Darshan queue if you prefer a faster experience, and you will complete your darshan well within an hour.
For festival attendance: Book VIP Darshan and arrive 90 minutes before your slot. Come prepared for a different atmosphere — louder, more festive, more emotionally charged. It is an experience in its own right.
Temple Opening and Closing Hours Summary
| Time | Temple Status |
|---|---|
| Before 3:30 AM | Closed |
| 3:30 AM – 4:45 AM | Open — Nirmalya Darshan |
| 4:45 AM – 6:30 AM | Closed — Internal rituals |
| 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM | Open — Special Darshan |
| 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Closed — Morning poojas |
| 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Open — General Darshan |
| 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Closed — Pooja break |
| 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM | Open — Usha Pooja window |
| 11:10 AM – 11:45 AM | Closed |
| 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Open — Midday Darshan |
| 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Closed — Afternoon |
| 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM | Open — Evening Darshan |
| 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM | Closed — Evening pooja |
| 6:45 PM – 7:20 PM | Open — Extended Darshan |
| 7:20 PM – 8:30 PM | Closed — Athazha Pooja |
| 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Open — VIP Night Darshan |
| After 9:00 PM | Closed |
Dress Code — Entry Rules at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
No matter which timing slot you choose, the dress code applies without exception. Temple staff will turn away anyone not in traditional attire — it does not matter whether you have a VIP ticket or a free pass.
For Men: Wear a dhoti (mundu) — white or off-white. Enter the sanctum bare-chested or draped with an angavastram. Shirts, T-shirts, jeans, trousers, shorts, and Bermudas are not permitted. Dhoti rental is available near the East Gate.
For Women: Wear a saree (preferred) or a full-length salwar kameez with dupatta. Churidars with a long tunic are acceptable. Jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, and Western clothing are strictly prohibited. Saree rental is not available at the premises — dress before you arrive.
What is not allowed inside: Mobile phones, cameras, bags, purses, leather items, belts. Only coins or cash may be carried in for offerings. Use the cloakroom near the East Gate.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Contact Details & Address
| Temple Address | East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695023 |
| Accommodation Booking Contact | 85000 87012 |
| Official Temple Website | sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org |
| Online Darshan & Seva Booking | booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org |
How to Reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — just 4–5 km away. Taxi or auto reaches the temple in 15–20 minutes.
By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station — 1.3–1.5 km from the East Gate. A 13-minute walk or a 2-minute auto ride.
By Road: Well connected by KSRTC buses, private cabs, Ola, and Uber. Tell the driver “East Fort” or “Padmanabhaswamy Temple” — every driver in the city knows it.
FAQs: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings 2026
Q: What are the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple timings in 2026? The temple opens at 3:30 AM for Nirmalya Darshan. Morning sessions run until 12:00 PM. The temple closes from 12 PM to 5 PM. Evening sessions run from 5:00 PM to 7:20 PM. VIP Night Darshan is from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Q: What time does Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple open in the morning? The first opening is at 3:30 AM for Nirmalya Darshan. General public darshan opens at 8:30 AM.
Q: What time does the temple close? General darshan closes at 7:20 PM. VIP Night Darshan runs until 9:00 PM, after which the temple closes for the day.
Q: Is the temple open on all days? Yes, the temple is open every day of the year. However, specific darshan slots may be restricted or modified during special poojas, utsavams, and festival days.
Q: What is the best time to visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple? For minimal crowds: 3:30 AM Nirmalya Darshan or 8:30 PM VIP Night Darshan. For families: 5:00 PM Evening Darshan on a weekday.
Q: Is the temple open during the afternoon? No. The temple is closed from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM every day for afternoon rituals and pooja sessions.
Q: Can I visit without a ticket? Yes. General darshan is free. You can walk in during the general darshan windows (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM, 6:45 PM – 7:20 PM) without a ticket. However, wait times can be 1–4 hours on busy days.
Q: Does the temple timing change on festival days? Yes. During major festivals like Alpashy Utsavam, Panguni Utsavam, and Laksha Deepam, timings are extended and additional sessions are added. Always check the official website before visiting during festival periods.
Q: How early should I arrive before my darshan slot? Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your booked slot on regular days. During festivals and weekends, arrive 1–1.5 hours in advance.
Q: What is the Nirmalya Darshan and why is it considered special? Nirmalya Darshan (3:30 AM – 4:45 AM) is the very first darshan of the day where devotees see the deity still adorned with the previous night’s flowers and adornments. It is considered the most sacred viewing of the day. The atmosphere at this hour — silent, pre-dawn, minimal crowd — is unlike anything during regular hours.
Q: Are there poojas I can book at specific times? Yes. Sevas like Abhishekam (6:00 AM), Archana (7:30 AM), Sahasranama Archana (9:00 AM), and various others can be booked in advance at booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org.
Final Word
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple does not work on a simple open/close schedule. It runs on a living ritual cycle that has been followed uninterrupted for centuries. Every slot — from the 3:30 AM pre-dawn opening to the 8:30 PM VIP night darshan — offers a different version of the same sacred experience.
Know your timings. Book your slot. Dress correctly. Arrive early. And when you finally stand at the three doorways that reveal Lord Padmanabha in his reclining cosmic form — you’ll understand why lakhs of devotees make this journey every single year.
Darshan Booking: booking.sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org Official Website: sreepadmanabhaswamytemple.org
Om Namo Narayanaya. 🙏