The World’s Richest & Mysterious Temple – Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

 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.

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 (6^th-9^th centuries), with structural additions to it made throughout 16^th century, when its ornate Gopuram was constructed.

Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Image: Source)

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.

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:

-       Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple.

-       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.

-       Cell phones are not allowed in the temple

-       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.