Monday, July 4, 2011

Temple treasure set to go beyond Rs 1 lakh crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The fate of the vault 'B', which is the only one remaining to be opened in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for preparing an inventory, will be decided on Friday. The seven-member committee directed by the Supreme Court to take stock of the treasures and list them would meet on Friday to take a decision. The vault is likely to be opened by the end of next week only.

The contents of 'B' vault that has not been opened for more than a century are believed to outsmart those which had already been revealed. Precious stones and large quantities of antique gold ornaments and gold utensils are supposed to be stashed in this chamber which is closed with strong metal doors.

Sources said when the belongings of 'B' vault are valued, the total asset of the temple may cross the stunning sum of Rs1 lakh crore. This will make Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple the richest temple in the world.

On Monday, the 'F' chamber, which is one of the 'nityadi ara' (opened daily where items for daily use are kept), was opened to list the articles. It was found that the chamber consists of pooja utensils, jewellery of the Lord, several small and big idols, golden umbrellas and other items. The exercise was done in the chamber in the presence of the 'nambi' as only he is supposed to enter and handle the items. Total value of these articles will be around Rs 10 crores.

The inventorying exercise began in the temple vaults on June 27. The small vaults such as 'C', 'D' and 'E' were opened initially. The vault 'A' was opened on Thursday where the treasure trove found have made the temple the richest in the country. The examiners will submit an interim report to the Supreme Court in a day or two.

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