The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, captured global attention in 2011 when a Supreme Court-ordered inventory revealed an unimaginable bounty of gold, jewels, and artifacts hidden within its subterranean vaults. This discovery, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, instantly cemented the temple’s status as the wealthiest place of worship in the world. But what became of these priceless treasures after the initial awe and excitement subsided? Where are they now, and what measures are in place to protect them?
The Grand Unveiling: A Glimpse into Unfathomable Riches
Between June and August 2011, a court-appointed team systematically opened five of the six known vaults (A, C, D, E, and F) within the ancient temple. What they found surpassed all expectations:
- Vault A alone yielded over 102,000 groups of objects, including a 4-foot high solid gold idol of Mahavishnu studded with diamonds, a solid gold throne, thousands of pure gold chains (one reportedly 18-feet long), sacks full of gold coins from the Roman Empire and medieval periods, and numerous other precious artifacts.
- Other opened vaults (C, D, E, F) also contained significant quantities of gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones, fashioned into idols, ornaments, coins, and vessels. Some estimates placed the total intrinsic value of the discovered wealth at over $20 billion, excluding the immense antique and historical value.
This discovery sparked a flurry of debate about the ownership, management, and future of these extraordinary riches.
The Custodianship Battle and the Supreme Court’s Verdict
The initial opening of the vaults led to a legal battle concerning the temple’s administration. The erstwhile Travancore Royal Family, who had traditionally managed the temple for centuries, found their authority challenged by the Kerala government and various public interest petitions.
In a landmark judgment in July 2020, the Supreme Court of India upheld the rights of the Travancore Royal Family to manage the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This ruling cemented their role as “shebaits” (custodians) of the temple and its assets, alongside a five-member administrative committee headed by the Thiruvananthapuram District Judge, and nominees from the Kerala and Union governments. This verdict brought a degree of clarity to the long-standing dispute.
The Status of the Treasures Today: Secured and Managed
So, what happened to all that treasure after the initial inventory?
Strict Security Measures: The discovered treasures are securely stored within the temple’s vaults. The temple complex is now under a multi-layered, high-tech security system. This includes:
- 24/7 surveillance: CCTV cameras cover vital locations in and around the temple.
- Armed commandos: Specially trained police personnel are deployed, often clad in traditional attire.
- Advanced systems: Metal detectors, X-ray scanners, hidden cameras, sophisticated locks, alarms, and an infrared beam-based intruder detection system are in place.
- Restricted access: The area around the temple is a no-fly zone, and vehicles are restricted from approaching too closely.
- Centralized control: A command center monitors all security arrangements.
Inventory and Auditing: An amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court prepared an inventory of the treasures. While full details are not publicly revealed, reports indicate a meticulous cataloging process. There have also been audits to ensure proper financial control and oversight of the temple’s valuables.
No Public Display (for now): Despite suggestions to establish a museum to showcase some of the artifacts, the vast majority of the treasures remain within the temple’s vaults. The prevailing sentiment, especially from the royal family and many devotees, is that these items are the property of the deity and are not for public display or commercialization. Some items are occasionally taken out for special ceremonial occasions and then returned to the vaults.
The Mystery of Vault B: Vault B remains a subject of intense speculation and reverence. The Travancore Royal Family has strongly opposed its opening, citing religious sentiments and an ancient belief that opening it would invite a curse or disaster. While there have been reports from auditing teams suggesting the antechamber of Vault B may have been accessed in the past (1990 and 2002), the main chamber of Vault B has reportedly never been opened in modern times, and its contents remain an enigma. The Supreme Court has also respected the religious sentiments surrounding Vault B and has not ordered its full opening.
Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved, A Mystery Endures
The treasures of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple continue to be a source of wonder and intrigue. After the initial flurry of discoveries, the focus has shifted to their preservation and secure management. The Supreme Court’s decision to restore the Travancore Royal Family’s administrative rights, coupled with robust security measures, aims to ensure the safekeeping of this unparalleled heritage. While the public may not have direct access to these astounding riches, the knowledge of their existence and the enduring mystery of Vault B only add to the temple’s mystical allure, ensuring its place as a truly unique and extraordinary site in the world.
