Which is the Richest Treasure Temple in India?

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is known as the richest Treasure temple in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is also considered one of the wealthiest temples in the world. The temple holds an incredible treasure that includes gold thrones, crowns, coins, statues, jewelry, diamonds, and other valuable stones. The total value of this treasure is estimated to be around ₹1,20,000 crores (about $15 billion).

Richest Treasure Temple in a Nutshell

Historical Background

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a renowned Hindu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, that has a rich history, mentioned in many ancient Hindu texts such as the Vishnu Purana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and several other Puranas. These texts refer to the temple’s importance and its long-standing connection with the people of Kerala and beyond.

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, or sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, celebrated in the ancient Divya Prabandham, a collection of Tamil hymns composed by the Alvars.

The temple is considered among the 13 Divya Desams in Malai Nadu, a region that corresponds to modern-day Kerala. Nammalwar, an 8th-century Tamil poet, praised the temple and its sacredness in his hymns.

Historical Significance and Mythology

The temple is deeply connected to Parasurama, a legendary figure in Hindu mythology, who is said to have purified and consecrated the idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy.

It is believed that Parasurama entrusted the temple’s administration to seven families, known as the Potti families.

These families played a vital role in maintaining the temple’s operations. King Adithya Vikrama of Venad was assigned the responsibility of protecting the temple.

Another legend surrounding the temple is that of Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, a sage who prayed to Lord Vishnu for a divine vision.

In a twist of fate, the sage encountered Lord Vishnu in the form of a mischievous child. When the child defiled the sacred idol, the sage became angry and chased him away.

Upon realizing the child was no ordinary being, the sage sought forgiveness and further divine guidance. This led him to Ananthankadu, where he discovered the deity in the form of Anantha Sayana Moorthy (Vishnu reclining on the celestial serpent Anantha).

The final idol, as seen today in the temple, was consecrated after a series of miraculous events. The idol was initially too large, with the head at Thiruvattar in Tamil Nadu, the body in Thiruvananthapuram, and the feet at Thrippadapuram near Technopark.

The sage prayed for the idol to shrink, and it was reduced to the present size, though its beauty and divine power remain unmatched.

The Temple’s Rich Legacy

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple was also referred to as the “Golden Temple” due to its immense wealth, especially in ancient times.

This wealth has been a topic of great interest for historians and scholars. The temple’s wealth, along with the city’s reputation for having walls of gold, was highlighted in Sangam literature, which dates back to the early centuries CE.

In 1680 AD, a Muslim invader named Mukilan attempted to plunder the temple, but his efforts were thwarted by local Muslims who remained loyal to the royal family of Venad.

Padmanabhan Thampi, an enemy of Marthanda Varma, tried to raid the temple’s vaults, but it is said that divine serpents appeared to protect the temple, scaring away his forces.

This miraculous event reinforced the temple’s divine protection and the devotion of the local people.

Importance Today

Today, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not just a place of religious significance but also a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

The temple continues to attract millions of pilgrims and tourists annually, who come to experience its spiritual aura and historical grandeur.

It is also famous for its intricate architecture, with the Gopuram (gateway tower) being a remarkable feature.

Historical Records and Contributions

Early Records and the Granta-Pura

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple History: The temple is known for its ancient records, which are vital to understanding its past.

• Granta-pura Construction (1425 A.D.): King Veera Iravi Varma of Venad built a “granta-pura” (record room) in 1425 A.D. to store the temple’s important records.

• Mathilakam Records: The records stored in the “granta-pura” were called the “Mathilakam” records, containing crucial documents about the temple’s history and administration.

• Donation to Archives (1867): Over 3,000 “Cadjan” leaf records from the Mathilakam collection were donated to the Archives Department in 1867.

• Unique Cadjan Leaves: The Cadjan leaves are written in ancient proto-Tamil and archaic Malayalam scripts, providing valuable insights into the temple’s rich traditions.

• 30 Crore Records: These records document over 30 crore pieces of information accumulated over thousands of years.

• Limited Deciphering: Only a small portion of these manuscripts has been deciphered, offering limited but essential information about the temple’s past.

• Primary Source Material: The translated manuscripts serve as rare primary source material, shedding light on the temple’s long history.

The Role of Record Writers in the Temple

Historically, the temple employed two types of record writers:

1. Ettarayogam Record Writers: This group was responsible for documenting the decisions and transactions of the Ettarayogam, a council of temple administrators that included the ruling king.
2. Day-to-Day Record Writers: These writers were in charge of maintaining the temple’s accounts, including its revenue, expenditures, and other administrative tasks.

The Travancore Royal Family and Their Connection to the Temple

• Historical Relationship: The Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a deep connection with the Travancore royal family, spanning several centuries.

• Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma: In the early 18th century, King Marthanda Varma of Travancore ascended to the throne at the young age of 23. He played a key role in defeating the Ettuveetil Pillamar, a powerful group that had held sway over the kingdom for 700 years.

• Renovation of Padmanabhaswamy Temple: After securing his rule, Marthanda Varma focused on restoring and renovating the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, emphasizing its importance in the kingdom.

• Surrender of the Kingdom (1750): On January 17, 1750, King Marthanda Varma made a historic pledge by officially surrendering the Kingdom of Travancore to the deity Padmanabhaswamy. From then on, he and his descendants vowed to serve the deity as his “servants” or “vassals.”

• Royal Titles: This dedication led to the royal family adopting the title “Sree Padmanabha Dasa” (servant of Padmanabhaswamy) for the kings and “Sree Padmanabha Sevini” (servant of Padmanabhaswamy) for female members of the family.

• King Marthanda Varma’s Legacy: Before his death at 53, King Marthanda Varma made his final wishes clear, instructing that all future territorial acquisitions should be handed over to the temple administration, known as the Devaswom.

• Enduring Bond: This deep devotion solidified the long-lasting and special relationship between the Travancore royal family and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Architecture

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous temples in India, known for its rich history, architecture, and the deity Padmanabha. The temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form.

Main Shrine: The Garbhagriha

• Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): The main part of the temple where the deity Padmanabha rests on the serpent Anantha (Adi Sesha).

• Anantha’s Symbolism: The serpent has five hoods and represents contemplation and tranquility.

• Deity’s Posture: Lord Vishnu’s right-hand rests over a Shiva Lingam, symbolizing the union of Vishnu and Shiva.

• Consorts of Vishnu: On either side of Lord Vishnu are his consorts, Sridevi (Goddess of Prosperity) and Bhudevi (Goddess of Earth).

• Brahma’s Emergence: From Padmanabha’s navel, the deity Brahma emerges, seated on a lotus.

• Material of the Idol: The idol is sculpted from 12,008 saligrams sourced from the Gandaki River in Nepal.

• Saligrams in Rituals: The saligrams are used in special rituals at the temple.

• Deity’s Maintenance: To keep the deity clean, it is covered with an Ayurvedic paste called Katusarkara yogam, made from 108 natural materials collected from across India.

Ottakkal Mandapam

• Ottakkal Mandapam: A unique platform located in front of the Vimanam (structure above the sanctum) made from a single massive stone.

• Construction: The Ottakkal Mandapam was carved under the direction of Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Travancore, in 1731.

• Significance: It is believed that anyone who prostrates on this mandapam surrenders everything they own to the deity.

• Exclusive Right: Only the King of Travancore is allowed to perform this act, as he has already surrendered his possessions.

Darshan and Worship

Devotees can see the deity through three doors:

1. First door: The reclining Padmanabha and the Shiva Lingam.
2. Second door: The faces of Sridevi and Bhudevi, along with Brahma emerging from the deity’s navel.
3. Third door: The feet of Padmanabha and additional deities like Markandeya Muni.

There are also golden and silver idols of Padmanabha, Sridevi, and Bhudevi, known as Utsava Moorthies, for special occasions.

Other Shrines Inside the Temple

Apart from the main shrine, there are two other important shrines in the temple:

• Thekkedom Shrine: Dedicated to Ugra Narasimha (the fierce form of Lord Vishnu).
• Thiruvambadi Shrine: Home to the idol of Parthasarathi, the Divine Charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. This shrine is independent and has its own rituals.

Additionally, there are shrines for Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Ganapati, and Vyasa, along with many divine idols like Garuda, Sasta, and Kshetrapala (temple protector).

Gopuram and Architecture

• Gopuram (Gateway Tower): The temple features a 100-foot-high Gopuram, built in the traditional Pandyan style, with the foundation laid in 1566. It symbolizes the temple’s grandeur.

• Corridor with Granite Pillars: The temple has a corridor with 365 sculptured granite pillars, each showcasing intricate carvings, demonstrating the remarkable skill of Vishvakarma Sthapathis (architects).

• Padma Theertham (Lotus Spring): The temple also features the Padma Theertham, adding to its beauty and spiritual ambiance.

• Flagstaff: An 80-foot flagstaff enhances the temple’s atmosphere, contributing to its sacred environment.

• Cultural and Spiritual Importance: The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only an architectural masterpiece but also an essential spiritual center for Hindus.

• Historical and Spiritual Significance: Its rich history, detailed carvings, and spiritual importance make it one of the most revered temples in India.

• Symbolism of Craftsmanship and Devotion: Every aspect of the temple, from the Ottakkal Mandapam to the Gopuram, reflects ancient craftsmanship and deep devotion.

Did you know that the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is not only a sacred and magnificent place of worship, but also an architectural marvel?

The temple's gopuram, or tower, is designed in such a way that it aligns perfectly with the sun's path on two days… pic.twitter.com/rZH9idzNXb

— Amazing Video (@amazingvideo01) February 13, 2024

Temple Rituals, Festivals, and Rites

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only known for its architectural beauty but also for its grand festivals and sacred rituals. These celebrations attract thousands of devotees from around the world and play a major role in the spiritual life of the region. Let’s explore some of the most significant festivals and rituals at the temple.

Major Festivals

• Aipasi Festival: Held in the Tamil month of Aipasi (October/November), this festival lasts for 10 days. On the ninth day, the Maharajah of Travancore, known as Thrippappoor Mooppan, leads the deities in a procession to Vettakkalam for the Pallivetta ritual. The festival ends with the Aarat (holy bath) procession to Shankumugham Beach, where the deities are bathed in the sea, symbolizing purification.

• Panguni Festival: This festival occurs in the Tamil month of Panguni (March/April), and it is similar in structure to the Aipasi festival. The Pallivetta procession also takes place during this festival, culminating in the Aarat procession to Shankumugham Beach.

• Navaratri Festival: One of the most important annual events at the temple, the Navaratri Festival celebrates the Nine Nights dedicated to the goddess Durga. Idols of Saraswati, Mun Uditha Nangai, and Kumara Swami (Murugan) are brought from different temples for a grand procession. The festival lasts for 9 days and includes performances, prayers, and offerings.

• Swathi Sangeethotsavam: During Navaratri, this renowned music festival takes place in honor of Maharajah Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the former king of Travancore. It is organized by his descendants, including Prince Rama Varma, and is celebrated with classical music performances at the Navratri Mandapam and surrounding temples.

• Laksha Deepam Festival: Occurring once every 6 years, this is the grandest festival at the temple. The Laksha Deepam (meaning 100,000 lamps) involves the lighting of 100,000 oil lamps around the temple. Prior to the festival, devotees perform a 56-day prayer ritual called Murajapam, reciting three Vedas in devotion to Lord Padmanabhaswamy.

Rituals and Practices

• Aarat Procession: The Aarat procession is a key ritual during both the Aipasi and Panguni festivals. It involves the deities’ idols, including Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimha Moorthi, and Krishna Swami, being bathed in the sea at Shankumugham Beach. The Maharajah of Travancore personally leads the procession on foot, marking the end of the festival.

• Pushpanjali Ritual: Priests from the Naduvil Madhom and Munchira Madhom conduct Pushpanjali (flower worship) daily at the temple. This practice is considered highly sacred. The Tharananallur Nambuthiripads serve as the chief priests of the temple, overseeing various rituals and ceremonies. The Nambies, four in total, manage the worship of Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimha Moorthi, and Krishna Swami.

Temple Entry Guidelines

As per the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who follow the Hindu faith are allowed entry into the temple. Devotees are also required to adhere to the temple’s dress code:

• Men: Wear vesti and angavastram (a South Indian version of dhoti and shawl, both in plain white).
• Women: Wear sari.

Key Takeaways

• The Padmanabhaswamy Temple hosts grand festivals like Aipasi, Panguni, Navaratri, and Laksha Deepam.
• Major rituals include the Aarat Procession to Shankumugham Beach and Pushpanjali flower worship.
• The Maharajah of Travancore plays a key role in the temple’s festivals and rituals.
• Only Hindu devotees are allowed entry, with a strict dress code.

Temple Management

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a unique system of governance and management that dates back centuries. The management of the temple and its extensive properties was historically under the control of the Ettara Yogam (King and Council of Eight), a group formed to oversee temple affairs with assistance from the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Lords of the Eight Houses).

Structure of the Ettara Yogam

The Ettara Yogam consists of key members:

• Pushpanjali Swamiyar: The spiritual leader who presides over temple rituals and meetings.

• Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha: A six-member council responsible for temple administration. The Sabha includes members like Koopakkara Potti, Vanchiyoor Athiyara Potti, and Kollur Athiyara Potti.

• Sabhanjithan (Secretary): Oversees the functioning of the Sabha.

• Arachan (Maharaja of Travancore): The King plays a crucial role in overseeing and approving decisions.

The Pushpanjali Swamiyar leads the meetings of the Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha, and any decision made by the Sabha can only be executed with the Maharaja’s approval.

Historical Evolution of Temple Governance

• The authority of the Ettara Yogam was historically powerful, with the eight members (seven Potties and the Maharaja) believed to have received their powers directly from Parashurama, the legendary sage.

• Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore, significantly reduced the influence of the Ettara Yogam and diminished the power of the Ettuveetil Pillamar, making the Yogam an advisory and assenting body.

• During his reign, the Naduvil Madhom had exclusive rights to appoint the Pushpanjali Swamiyar. However, this changed over time. Munchira Madhom also gained the right to appoint the Pushpanjali Swamiyar under his rule.

• In more recent years, Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the last Maharaja of Travancore, granted the right to appoint the Pushpanjali Swamiyar to other Madhoms, such as the Thrikkaikattu Madhom and Thekke Madhom.

The Role of the Maharaja

While the Pushpanjali Swamiyar is appointed by the Maharaja of Travancore, the Maharaja must first perform a Vechu Namaskaram (a respectful greeting) to the Swamiyar when they meet. This tradition highlights the spiritual authority of the Pushpanjali Swamiyar.

Following the passing of Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma in December 2013, his nephew, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, became the titular Maharaja of Travancore in January 2014.

Before assuming the title, Moolam Thirunal received the approval of the Ettara Yogam, following a ceremony at the Kulasekhara Mandapam in Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The ceremony was attended by the Maharaja designate, Yogathil Pottimar, and the Tantri, with the Pushpanjali Swamiyar, Maravanchery Thekkedathu Neelakanta Bharatikal, signing the Neettu (order) to confirm Moolam Thirunal as the Maharaja and the Protector of the Temple (Thrippappoor Mootha Thiruvadi).

Present Governance

• Revathi Thirunal Balagopal Varma, the grandson of Maharani Regent Pooradom Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, holds the title of Elayaraja (the titular heir) of Travancore.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ettara Yogam and Ettuveetil Pillamar historically managed the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

• The Pushpanjali Swamiyar and Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha played central roles in temple administration.

• The Maharaja of Travancore holds the final authority on decisions, including the appointment of the Pushpanjali Swamiyar.

• The management system has evolved over time, with recent changes under the reign of Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma.

• Revathi Thirunal Balagopal Varma is the current Elayaraja of Travancore.

The governance and management of Padmanabhaswamy Temple are closely intertwined with the royal family and the spiritual leaders of the region, preserving a long-standing tradition that continues to shape the temple’s administration.

Temple Assets

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, holds one of the most incredible collections of treasures in the world. The temple and its wealth belong to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, and for centuries, its assets have been managed by a trust headed by the Travancore royal family. However, a series of legal battles, notably by T.P. Sundararajan, brought the temple’s secret treasures into the spotlight.

The Discovery of Hidden Vaults

In June 2011, the Supreme Court of India instructed the opening of the temple’s secret vaults for inspection. These vaults, called “Nilavaras,” are labeled A to F, with Vaults G and H later discovered by an expert report in 2014. Vaults A and B have remained largely unopened, while vaults C to F are periodically accessed by the temple priests, known as the ‘Periya Nambi’ and ‘Thekkedathu Nambi.’

The court mandated that while Vaults A and B should be opened only for inventory purposes, Vaults C to F should follow the temple’s existing practices and rituals when accessing the treasures inside.

Treasure Beyond Imagination

The treasures found inside the opened vaults are nothing short of astonishing. Among the most famous discoveries is a 1.1-meter tall golden idol of Mahavishnu, encrusted with hundreds of diamonds and rubies. Other incredible finds include:

• A 5.5-meter-long gold chain
• A 500 kg gold sheaf
• A 36 kg golden veil
• Over 1200 gold coin-chains encrusted with precious stones
• Several sacks filled with gold jewelry, diadems, necklaces, and gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

The vaults also revealed ceremonial attire for the deity, including golden anklets weighing almost 30 kg and gold “coconut shells” studded with rubies and emeralds. In addition, several ancient Napoleonic-era coins and golden crowns adorned with precious stones were discovered.

The Rich History of the Temple’s Treasures

The wealth accumulated in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple spans centuries and comes from various royal dynasties. Donations from the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas, and other South Indian kings have contributed to its vast collection. Additionally, rulers and traders from Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and later colonial powers are believed to have added to the temple’s treasures.

This treasure trove is also linked to ancient texts like the Sangam Tamil literature, which mentions the “Golden Temple” in reference to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The Silappatikaram, an epic from the 2nd century, also speaks of a Cheran king receiving gold and jewels from a “Golden Temple,” believed to be Padmanabhaswamy.

Vault B: The Mystery

Despite the immense wealth revealed, Vault B remains sealed, adding to the temple’s aura of mystery. Locals and the royal family believe that opening Vault B could bring misfortune. An expert committee in 2011 decided to delay its opening, and the Ashtamangala Devaprasnam (a Hindu ritual) conducted in the temple confirmed that attempting to open Vault B would anger the deity.

Many also believe that the treasures were safeguarded by the Travancore royal family during invasions, such as those by Mysore in the 18th century, adding layers of historical significance to the temple’s assets.

The Legacy of Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s Treasures

The treasures of Padmanabhaswamy Temple are considered the largest collection of gold and precious stones ever found. These articles, which have been accumulated over thousands of years, are a testament to the cultural and religious significance of the temple. The temple has also been an essential center of worship, trade, and politics in South India, attracting donations and offerings from across the world.

The Mystery and Sacredness of Vault B (Mahabharata Kallara)

The Vault B, also known as Mahabharata Kallara, is the largest and most enigmatic vault of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, India. It has remained unopened since the 1880s, maintaining its air of mystery and reverence.

Key Details:

• Historical Significance: The vault is associated with the legendary visit of Balarama (a prominent figure in the Mahabharata), who is said to have made a donation of 10,000 cows at Padmateertham. The Chuttambalam was later constructed on this site, which is believed to house Kallara B and Kallara A beneath it.

• Spiritual Connection: Legends suggest that numerous devas (gods) and sages worship the deity in Vault B. The presence of sacred figures like Kanjirottu Yakshi and the Naga Devathas (serpent deities) further reinforces the spiritual importance of this area. The vault houses sacred objects like the Sreechakram and is under the protection of the Ugra Narasimha of Thekkedom.

• Forbidden Zone: Due to the belief that opening the vault brings danger, it has been labeled a “forbidden zone”. In 2011, a four-day Ashtamangala Devaprasnam (a spiritual ritual) confirmed this status, declaring the area forbidden for access.

• Historical Estimates: As of the 1880s, it was estimated that the gold in Vault B was worth approximately INR 12,000 Crores based on the gold price at the time. This vault remains the only one of the six reported vaults to have remained closed, despite several attempts to open it in the past.

• Attempts to Open: Over the years, there have been unsuccessful attempts to open Vault B. In 1908, a group of people attempted to open it but fled due to the presence of cobras. More recent attempts in 2011, led by observers appointed by the Supreme Court of India, failed to open it, though they managed to open the antechamber.

• Opposition to Opening: In recent years, there has been strong opposition to opening the vault, including from prominent spiritual leaders. The Pushpanjali Swamiyars and other religious figures have expressed their disapproval, with some leading public campaigns to preserve the sanctity of the vault.

Legal Disputes Over the Management

• Location and Significance: The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is renowned for its religious and historical importance.

• Legal Disputes: The temple has been at the center of several legal disputes regarding its management and treasures.

• 2011 Kerala High Court Ruling: In 2011, the Kerala High Court ruled that the state government should take over control of the temple and its assets.

• Royal Family Appeal: The Travancore royal family appealed this decision in the Supreme Court of India.

• Independent Investigation: An independent investigation was conducted, and in 2012, it concluded that there was no evidence of misappropriation of the temple’s treasures by the royal family.

• Unopened Vaults: As of April 2016, Vaults B, G, and H, along with their ante-chambers, remained unopened.

• Inventorying Progress: The inventory of Vaults C, D, E, and F was completed by August 2012.

• Items Retrieved: Over 100,000 items, including gold coins and precious stones, were retrieved from Vault A by that time.

• Supreme Court Order: Much of the inventory remains undisclosed as per the Supreme Court’s order until the full process is completed.

Allegations of Mismanagement

• April 2014 Report: In April 2014, Gopal Subramanium, an Amicus Curiae (court-appointed legal advisor), submitted a 577-page report to the Supreme Court.

• Allegations of Mismanagement: The report accused the authorities of serious mismanagement in the administration of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

• Failure to File Tax Returns: The authorities were accused of not filing tax returns for several years, reflecting neglect in managing the temple’s financial matters.

• Mishandling Financial Resources: Subramanium’s report raised concerns about the mishandling of the temple’s financial resources.

• Discovery of Treasures: Large amounts of gold, silver, and a gold plating machine were discovered within the temple, raising suspicions of possible organized extraction.

• Involvement of High-Ranking Individuals: Subramanium suggested that high-ranking individuals might have been involved in the possible extraction of the temple’s treasures.

• Lack of Investigation: The report highlighted the failure of local authorities to properly investigate these issues.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

• In response to these allegations, the Supreme Court of India ordered changes in the temple’s administration.

• A five-member committee was established to oversee the temple’s management, with Vinod Rai, former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, appointed as the auditor.

• The committee also included a district judge and members chosen by the Kerala government.

• The royal family of Travancore, though no longer in charge of the administration, retained their ritualistic duties.

• Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, as the titular Maharaja, continued overseeing temple rituals, although he no longer had a role in its daily management.

Discovery of New Vaults

• Subramanium’s report also uncovered two additional vaults—Vault G and Vault H—that had never been previously mentioned.

• These vaults, along with Vault B, remain unopened, adding to the mystery surrounding the temple’s vast treasures.

• The report also revealed the presence of several trunks filled with precious artifacts, outside of the known vaults.

Controversies Around the Amicus Curiae

• Despite his significant role in the investigation, Subramanium faced criticism. Some questioned his spiritual approach to the case, including his claims of relying on spiritual guidance during his investigations.

• Furthermore, his actions inside the temple, such as performing rituals and installing a Yantra (sacred object) without the consent of the temple authorities, led to opposition from the royal family and the temple’s Tantries (priests).

• The Supreme Court intervened, ordering a stop to some of his practices that were seen as conflicting with the temple’s customs.

Final Supreme Court Decision

• On July 13, 2020, the Supreme Court of India overturned the Kerala High Court’s 2011 ruling, returning control and management of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the Travancore royal family. The royal family was once again entrusted with overseeing the temple’s administration, marking the end of a long and contentious legal battle.

Key Takeaways:

• The Padmanabhaswamy Temple has been at the center of a legal battle regarding its treasures and management.

• The Kerala High Court originally ruled for state government control, but this was contested by the Travancore royal family.

• A report by Gopal Subramanium revealed serious mismanagement and alleged financial irregularities in the temple administration.

• The Supreme Court formed a new committee to oversee the temple, ultimately returning control to the royal family in 2020.

• Vaults B, G, and H remain unopened, and the temple’s treasures continue to be a subject of mystery and intrigue.

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