The Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasure: A Mystery of Wealth and History
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a marvel of architecture and art, blending Kerala and Dravidian styles. The temple is also home to a staggering collection of valuable objects, including gold thrones, crowns, coins, statues, ornaments, diamonds and other precious stones. These objects are stored in six underground vaults, labelled from A to F, that have been shrouded in mystery and legend for centuries.
The treasure was discovered in 2011, when the Supreme Court of India ordered the opening of five of the six vaults, following a petition seeking transparency in the temple’s management. The court appointed a committee of experts to audit and document the temple’s assets and properties. The committee was stunned by the sheer amount and variety of the treasure that they found in the vaults. According to some estimates, the value of the treasure could be more than Rs. 1 lakh crore (about $13 billion), making it the richest temple in the world.
However, not everything was revealed to the public. The sixth vault, known as Vault B, remained closed and guarded by a metal-grille door, a wooden door and an iron door. The committee tried to open it but failed. The royal family of Travancore, who claim to be the custodians of the temple and its treasure, opposed the opening of Vault B, citing religious and astrological reasons. They also argued that the treasure belonged to Lord Vishnu and not to the state or the people. The Supreme Court agreed with them and refused to give permission to open Vault B in 2020.
What lies inside Vault B?
Is it more treasure or something else? Some believe that it contains ancient secrets and relics that could reveal the history and origin of the temple and its treasure. Some speculate that it holds a curse that could unleash calamities if disturbed. Some even suggest that it guards a secret passage to another world. No one knows for sure, except perhaps Lord Vishnu himself.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple treasure is a fascinating mystery that combines wealth, history and faith. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and legacy of India. It also raises questions about the ownership, preservation and utilization of such a priceless treasure for the benefit of humanity.
