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With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Kerala is a place inhabited by some of the most friendly and intelligent people in the world. But Kerala is something much more than a simple sight seeing adventure - it is also potentially a spiritual and intellectual adventure. The city of Tiruvananthapuram is beautiful and consists of magnificent structures with both ancient and modern architecture. Culture and heritage institutions, art galleries and palaces enhance the city's glory. Tiruvananthapuram is the home to antiquity temples and the prominence goes to Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Lord Vishnu, canopied by the hooded serpent Anantha, in the heart of city. Turning the city into, a city of seclusion and silence. According to the legend, this temple has been sung by the Vaishnavite Alwar Saints. This is the largest temple of Kerala. The massive Gopuram of the temple is an evidence of the Dravidian influence in the architecture of the temple. In Thiruvananthapuram the idol of Lord Vishnu is in Ananthasayanam posture (laid down on multi-headed snake). Here the idol can be seen through three doors. The present structure of the temple is mainly due to the 18th century renovations. The mandapams and the corridors have fine works of sculptures and the outside of the sanctum is decorated with murals. Since this temple has been sung by the Tamil Alwar saints, it is revered as one of the 108 shrines held sacred in the Shree Vaishnavite tradition. The Travancore royal family has been patronizing this temple. The rulers of Travancore have traditionally ruled over their province, only as subordinates to the Deity Padmanabha. The Royal Composer and King Swati Tirunal have composed several kritis (songs) in praise of this deity.
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