Meaning of Padmanabha

Lord Vishnu is widely regarded as the Supreme Creator. In our religion he is sho
wn reclining on the coils of a gigantic, seven-hooded serpent called Ananta-Sesh
a, in the middle of the cosmic milky ocean.
Both Vishnu and Ananta-Sesha and are eternally present through the periodic cosm
ic cycles of creation and destruction. The Vishnu Purana states that at the end
of a Day of Brahma (1000 Mah-Yugas = 1 Kalpa = 1 day (day only) of Brahma), when th
e entire creation has been dissolved, and the world has been converted into one
vast ocean, the Supreme reposes upon his mighty serpent couch amidst the deep: he
awakes after a season, and again, as Brahma, becomes the author of creation.
Munneswaram Temple, Sri Lanka, c. 1000 CE. Source: Wikipedia
The above image is from Munneswaram Temple, Sri Lanka
The emerging lotus flower from the navel of Vishnu (vishnu nabhi), on which Brah
ma is seated is set to bring forth the material of creation. Hence, Vishnu is de
scribed as lotus-navelled (padma-nabha); and Brahma is termed the navel-born (nabhij
a).
About Padmanabha Swami Temple:
32Kg Ananta Sayanam Idol
The above image is a 32 kg idol of Vishnu in Ananta Sayanam pose apart form the
shiva linga which was shot of the treasures which were unearthed form temple.
As for the treasures of the temple it is a very old temple as many purana's like
Brahma Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana etc, states about th
at shrine.
Late in the middle of 17th and 18th century the Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma
took over the throne at the age of 22 from Ettuveetil Pillamar due to some cons
piracy, and as the temple has 6 chambers labelled form 'A to F' has been present
from the day of construction of temple, it was used to store the valuables of t
he ruling king as a safe deposit and only the king and the high priest of the te
mple were allowed to go inside the vault, until recently when chamber 'A' was op
ened.
NOTE: chamber B has not yet opened due to fear of bad omen as they did Ashtamang
ala Devaprasnam which might cause Divine displeasure
They also had gold coins of East India Company. It is assumed that when the Brit
ish had war with the southern kings, they hid most of the treasures in that vaul
t and was asked to seal it off and was never seen again until recently.