Of the six vaults, which have been labeled from A to F, three (C-F) have been opened periodically and A was opened after the SC order.Back in 1984, when Steven Spielberg made Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, he wouldn’t have thought in his wildest dreams that the world’s largest treasure trove and the myth surrounding the same would bear an eerie resemblance to his movie.
Located in the heart of the capital, Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple shot to fame six years ago when one of its six ancient vaults was found to contain riches worth Rs one lakh crore.
Of the six vaults, which were later labeled as A, B, C, D and F, three (C-F) have been opened periodically and Vault-A was opened after the SC order. But the controversial Vault-B still remains unopened.
Here's a quick look into the six vaults built below the sanctum sanctorum:
Vault A
• The most amount of treasure was discovered in this chamber
• The chamber is situated in the southern part of the sanctum sanctorum
• 16 wooden boxes of four-feet height and two-feet width and sacks full of precious stones were stacked in the two-layered chamber
• Pieces of golden jewelry, medallions, and precious stones were found in these boxes and sacks
• Around 2 lakh gold coins were found in jars of four feet height and two feet diameter
Other valuable items found in the vault
• Swan model necklaces, stone-studded ornaments, golden armlets and head sets
• Around 700 medallions with the symbol of Vijayanagara empire
• Heaps of pearl jewels, diamonds, and more than 12 golden lotuses
• Five-to-six-layered golden lamps used for deeparadhana (aarti)
• Vishnu Padam and Rama Padam (the footprints of Vishnu and Rama)
• Golden waist-belts, rings, ceremonial attire for adorning the deity
• 18-feet-long ornamental frame for the idol
• Foot and a half tall crown made of turquoise and other precious stones
Vault B
• This controversial chamber has never been opened citing fears that it will bring ill fortune
• It is believed that the two-layered chamber will extend below the sanctum sanctorum
• If stories are to be believed, the vault will have gold and silver biscuits, and an iron jar full of golden coins, pieces of jewelry, and bel
• The Supreme Court has asked to wait till a new order to open the secret chamber
Vault C
• The contents stored in this vault are routinely taken out for special ceremonial occasions
This vault has
• Golden mace, gold coconut shells studded with rubies and emeralds
• Golden jewelry to adorn the presiding deity
• Pooja items to be taken out during festivals and special rituals
• Golden umbrellas, golden serpent's hood, and gold coins
Vault D
• Decoration items for theGarudavahana used during special days and festivals
Vault E
• Daily pooja items used for Narasimhamoorthy in Thekkedam are kept in this vault
• Deepradhana plates are kept neatly on the silk-laid granite floor of the vault
Vault F
• Items for daily pooja are kept in this vault
• There are three idols of Sree Padmanabha Swamy for daily pooja
• Three idols are Anantha-sayanam posture, idol for abhisheka, and one for sheeveli
• Periya Nambi, the main priest, keeps the key of this vault
Two more vaults were later identified and have been designated as G and H
Regular offerings and donations to the temple are kept in these vaults
These vaults also contain palanquin, pillows, umbrellas, and 35 kg of silver biscuits
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