India is a country with full of unsolved mysteries, hidden
places, unbelievable rituals and surprising culture n traditions. Today we are going to discover one of the most
mysterious temple of South India which is also known as the World’s Richest or
Wealthier Temple.
The Mystery:
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple located in Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu – The protector of Earth. This
is very old temple which is very important in Vaishnavism and amongst the 108
principal Divya Desams (Holy Abodes). The temple is renown from the early medieval
Tamil literature (6th-9th centuries), with structural
additions to it made throughout 16th century, when its ornate
Gopuram was constructed.
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The Mystery:
The recent discovery of hidden treasure from the temple is surprised
everyone, which itself cost Rs. 1.2 lakh crore or Rs. 1.2 trillion (US $19
billion) when the 5 vaults (Kallaras) of temple opened in year 2011 on Indian
Supreme Court order. The treasure was full of Gold includes N-number of Gold
coins, Gold Pots, 18-foot long pure gold chain, a gold sheaf weighing 500 kgs,
1200 Sarappalli gold-coin chains that are encrusted with precious stones, A pure
Golden Throne studded with 100’s of Diamonds
and other precious stones, meant for the 18-foot long Deity. Also several sacks
filled with golden artifacts, necklaces, precious stones like – Diamond,
Rubies, Emerald, Sapphire, Gemstones and Pearls. The several gold coins found
here was from entire world dated 200 B.C was from The Roman Empire, The
Napoleonic, Mughals and Dutch kingdoms, each antique coin costs in Cr. now-a-days.
There are total 6 vaults in Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple out
of that only 5 vaults open on order of Supreme Court of India infront of a 7
member committee formed by court. The archaeological departments categories
vaults as A to F. A, C, D, E & F
are already opened in 2011 while Vault B unopened over centuries which also
considered as the largest amongst all. Some Historians estimate that the
treasure in Vault B alone, would be worth at least Rs. 50 trillion (US$780
billion) in present day terms, without the cultural value being factored in.
The Myth:
There is a strong story behind why till date no body dare to
open the Vault B, as per locals & some priests the Vault B is protected by two
enormous Cobras from several years and anyone who tries to open Vault B may
face serious implications or Death. The symbols of same are shown on the
Vault-B gate where two Big Cobra’s structure are guardian the doors. Also if any attempts are made by current
technology to open mysterious Vault-B then Catastrophes are likely to occur in
and around the temple premises or through-out India. This vault can only be
open by a highly sacred Sadhu or mantrika who are familiar with the knowledge
of extricating ‘Naga Bandham’ or ‘Naga Pasam’ by chanting “Garuda Mantra” so
expect in this way, the doors of Vault-B can’t be opened by any means. The gate of Vault-B is made of Steel and has
no bolts, latches or any other means of entry or opening. Even the Royal family
of Travancore opposes the same. Earlier The Royal family of Travancore were the
head of trust who manages the Shree Padmanabhaswamy Shrine but now the Supreme
Court removed the Royal family from leading the Management of the temple.
About the Temple:
The Padmanabhasway Temple is a replica famous Shri
Adikesavaperumal Temple at Thiruvattar. The Thiruvananthapuram city got his
name from Anantha. In the temple, Shri Padmanabha reclines on the serpent “Anantha
or Adi-Sesha. The Lord Vishnu right hand
is placed over Shiva lingam. Sridevi, The Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi,
The Goddess of Earth are by his side. Lord Bramha emerges on a lotus, which
emanates from the navel of the lord. The Deity is made from 12000 saligramams. The
entry into the temple is restricted to Hindu’s only and they have to strictly
follow the Hindu Dress Code. The temple derives his name from the position of
Lord Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the lord’s navel. Among the Six
vaults, Vault-B is closely associated with the Shri Padmanabhaswamy and it is
not a part of Temple Treasury. Inside
the temple, there are two other important shrines, Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi,
for the Deities, Ugra Narasimha and Krishna Swami respectively.
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Sree Padmanabha Swamy (Image: Source) |
How to reach SreePadmanabhaswamy
Temple:
The Sree
Padmanabhaswamy temple is veritably the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. It
can be reached from any local carrier like Auto or Bus. Thiruvananthapuram is connected to Rail
& Airways Networks.
Things to note for
First-time visitors/Temple Rules:
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Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple.
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Pants and salwars/churidars are not allowed
in the temple. A mundu (Kind of Dhoti or Lungi) can be rented from the temple premises for a nominal
amount and ladies can wear it over their salwars while men can give their pants
for safekeeping.
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Cell phones are not allowed in the temple
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Around 7-8 a.m., (exact times can be obtained at
the temple), some time is reserved for the royal family of Travancore to visit
the temple, during which time others are not allowed into the inner sanctorum.
So when you visit next to Thiruvananthapuram, plan a
visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple to feel the beauty of temple and offer
your prayer to Lord Padmanabhaswamy. Also check if you can get to hear more
mysterious stories about World’s biggest Treasure.