Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavism. The principal deity is seen here in Anantha Sayanam posture. The platform in front of the vimanam where the deity rests is called Ottakkal Mandapam as it is carved out of a single massive stone. There are two important shrines Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi for the deities Shree Yoga Narasimha and Shree Krishna Swami.

The temple has seven tier gopuram rising to about 100 feet and the foundation was laid in 1566. Navaratri festival is the major annual festival conducted here. Laksha Deepam festival is also celebrated in a grand manner once in six years.

The Padmanabha Swamy Temple is famous for its assets of gold, rubies, emeralds and diamonds and is maintained by the trustees. Many interesting legends are attached to this temple.