New Delhi: A curious treasure hunt at a temple that houses a sleeping idol of Lord Vishnu has aroused the curiosity of the nation, sparking speculations that the ancient Shri Padmnabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the richest in the world.
A review of the temple's underground vaults was undertaken by a seven-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court to generate an inventory, leading to the discovery of a vast hidden collection of riches.
The committee members including two former Kerala High Court Judges are preparing an inventory list of all the valuables inside six different chambers. Representatives of the government and the royal family trust which runs the temple are also present.
Speculation is rife about the actual worth of these precious materials. Only after the report is submitted to Supreme Court will it become a public document. The Court can then decide to put a value to these precious materials. But so far media reports said the riches found at the temple premises are fabulous.
What lies in six vaults of Shri Padmnabhaswamy temple?
* Treasure worth Rs 100,000 crore was recently found in secret chambers on temple land.
* Crowns of erstwhile kings
* 17 kg of gold coins
* 18 feet long Sharapoli mala (necklace) weighing 2.5 kg
* Gold ropes
* Sack full of diamonds
* Thousands of pieces of antique jewellery
* Golden vessels
* Donations made by traders, pilgrims and various royal families
* Executive Officer at Sri Padmnabhaswamy Temple VK Harikumar said precious materials including rare and valuable gems have been found in these chambers especially in chamber A which is centuries old.
* The treasure is now worth Rs 1 lakh crore and counting
* Antique gold ornaments
* Belgian gems including diamonds, navaratnas
* Antique coins from Rome
* Gold coins of the East India Company
* Idol of Lord Vishnu made of gold and precious stones
* Grains of gold
* Gold medallions
* Gold scepters
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