The first stop for any traveler in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is Padmanabhaswamy TempleIts deity, Ananta (Lord Vishnu reclining on a serpent), gave the city its name, which translates to ‘Eternal City’. The temple’s pyramid shaped 100 feet high golden gopuram with richly carved deities looks spectacular from all corners of the city. Once you reach here, you are welcomed by a cavalry charge unlike any other temple; It is tightly guarded throughout the year. Why wouldn’t this happen? After all, it is The richest temple in the worldAnd certainly one of the richest religious institutions globally.

History of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The exact age of the temple’s idol of Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy is debated, but its origins are unquestionably ancient. Legends trace its history to the Dwapara era when Lord Parashurama is said to have founded it. Historical records suggest that the original structure may have been built in the 8th century AD, with the present grandeur being shaped by the Travancore ruler, Maharaja Marthanda Varma in the 18th century.

Inside, before leading to the main temple, you pass by a grand statue of Lord Hanuman, which is said to be covered with a layer of butter that makes it impervious to fire. There are also statues of the temple’s guardian goddesses Jaya and Vijaya. The idol of Lord Padmanabha inside the main sanctum can be seen from three different doors. While the head and chest can be seen through the first door, the hands can be seen through the second door and the feet through the third door.

Secret Cellar of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

What sets this temple apart is not just its spiritual aura, but the six secret vaults (titled AF) buried within its walls. These cellars remained untouched for centuries (the temple is run by a trust headed by the former royal family of Travancore and was therefore protected from prying eyes), even as invaders plundered other temples. Also the treasure was preserved. In 2011, following a Supreme Court directive, five vaults were opened, revealing a staggering hoard of gold coins, diamonds and priceless artefacts worth trillions of dollars. However, the most interesting thing is that Vault B has been left untouched.

Protected by carvings of serpents and supernatural beings, it is believed to have been sealed by powerful Naga Pasam (snake noose) mantras, placed there by priests centuries ago. Locals will tell you about all the failed attempts that have been made to open the safe, notably one in the 1930s, where poisonous snakes reportedly appeared to guard it. Some people believe that opening this safe will bring devastating bad luck.

What makes this story even more horrifying is that the petitioner who had sought opening of the safes in the court died soon after his inspection. And there is another legend that says that this vault takes you to the sea, some people claim to hear the sound of waves emanating from its depths.

What to see in Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

Once you are done with the darshan, proceed to the Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam, which are halls with statues of Hindu deities that showcase the beauty of the intricate architecture of the temple. The Navagraha Mandapam is another notable feature, where the ceiling displays the nine planets. The temple also has a wide corridor leading to the sanctum sanctorum, which is adorned with 365 sculptured granite pillars. At the entrance on the eastern side, the Natak Sala (drama hall) comes alive with Kathakali performances during the annual festival, which adds cultural vibrancy to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

Also read: Viral video of careless tourists on real-life ‘temple run’ at Angkor Wat has experts shocked

Just a short distance away, the Kuthiramlika Palace Museum will let you learn more about Kerala’s royal heritage.

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