Hi Hivers,
Today i am gonna tell you about my trip to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Travelling to new places has always excited me, and my recent trip to Kerala was no exception.
I woke up at 3 a.m early morning because my flight was at 8 a.m. I reached Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi at 5:30 a.m. and completed my formalities and security checks. Luckily, i had almost 2 hours to spare before my flight, so i decided to explore the airport 😊. I decided to make the most of this time by visiting Plaza Premium Lounge. I treated myself to a steaming cup of tea and a delicious masala dosa there.
Around 7:30 a.m, I made my way to the check-in gate . My flight took off as scheduled, and after a comfortable journey, I landed in Thiruvananthapuram at 11 a.m . After checking into my hotel and taking a much-needed rest for a couple of hours, I eagerly awaited the opening of the renowned Shri Padmanabha Swamy temple at 4:15 p.m.
Curious to explore the surroundings, i sought advice from my hotel receptionist, who suggested me to visit the Sunil Wax Museum located nearby the temple. So, I made my way to the museum, purchasing an entry ticket for 250 INR. As i stepped inside, I saw lifelike wax statues of famous celebrities and politicians. I spent a considerable amount of time watching the intricate details and posing for pictures with my favourite idols.
As it was 4 p.m, so i headed towards the temple to seek blessings for prosperity, wealth and the fulfilment of my desires.
REVEALING THE HISTORY OF SHRI PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE
This temple is considered as the world’s richest hindu temple that holds significant historical and cultural importance. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Padmanabha Swamy. One of the most significant contributions was made by the Travancore royal family, who ruled the region from the 17th to the 20th century.
The temple was built by king named Marthanda Varma of the Travancore dynasty in the early 18th century, who sought the blessings of Lord Padmanabha before embarking on a crucial battle. Over the centuries, the rulers accumulated vast wealth, which they donated to the temple. These donations included gold, diamonds, crowns, statues, coins, and precious stones, among other treasures.
The wealth amassed within the temple walls was kept hidden in the 6 underground chambers (A,B,C,D,E,F), known as kallaras, to protect it from invasions and theft. In 2011, the Supreme Court of India ordered the opening of the vaults to assess the value of the treasures and ensure their preservation. What was discovered within the temple complex was truly astonishing. 5 out of 6 chambers were found to be filled with an unimaginable amount of wealth, estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
The treasures included ancient gold ornaments, diamond-studded jewellery, intricately carved statues, and rare coins from different eras. However, the most intriguing aspect of this discovery was Chamber B (Vault B). This chamber, unlike the others, remains unopened to this day. It consists of 3 doors. One is made of wood and the other is made of iron and the last door is truly mysterious and intrigue. It is said to be sealed with a special mantra, making it impervious to any attempts at opening it. The last door of Chamber B are adorned with two large cobra snakes, intricately engraved, which serve as a foreboding warning to those who dare to enter.
According to popular beliefs, it can only be opened when doomsday arrives of Kali Yug and anyone who has attempted to open Vault B has faced dire consequences, ranging from misfortune to even death. This belief gained credence when Advocate TP Sunderajan, who had played a crucial role in the opening of the other vaults, fell sick and died shortly after. Such incidents have reinforced the notion that Vault B is protected by supernatural forces, and it is best left undisturbed.
One of the most remarkable incidents in the temple’s history occurred during the devastating Tamil Nadu flood in 1924. The floods wreaked havoc in the region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. However, amidst this chaos, the temple remained unharmed, as if protected by divine intervention. This incident further solidified the temple’s significance and fostered a deep sense of faith and devotion among its devotees.
So, the history of Shri Padmanabha Swamy Temple and its treasures is a captivating tale of religious devotion, royal patronage, and enigmatic secrets. The discovery of the underground chambers filled with unimaginable wealth has brought this temple into the limelight. Whether it holds untold riches or harbours ancient secrets, only time will reveal the truth behind this enigmatic chamber.
My trip to Kerala was a perfect blend of adventure, exploration, and spirituality. It not only allowed me to discover the beauty of Thiruvananthapuram but also provided me with a deeper understanding of its rich cultural heritage.
Device used for photography - Iphone XS Max.
These pictures are clicked by me and this blog is AI Content free.
