The search for treasure in the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, following the Supreme Court order, has so far discovered gold, diamonds and silver worth over rupees 75,000 crores making the temple overnight to the richest temple in India. Two more cellars has to be opened which will be done on Monday. It is assumed that the 'B-vault' with a very strong metal door similar to that of present-day strong rooms, would contain treasures more than that discovered in 'A-vault' which amounted to rupees 30,000 crores. Temple authorities and historians say that the 'B-vault' was last opened 136 years ago. The story of the treasure hunt has eclipsed the fables, and the whole world is now looking into the hidden treasures in the temple. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple which has well maintained records in palm leaves as early as the 9 th century AD had recieved gold and money as offerings from ardent devotees which included kings, local chieftains and the common people. The Travancore dynasty which is well renowned for their honesty and devotion to people and above all with their submision to Lord Padmanabha has kept the treasure intact on strong belief that the treasure belongs to the diety. Any how the treasure has becaome a matter of concern not only for the devotees but also for the government. The government has ordered for providing a three tier security for the temple, in the light of the discovery.
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The press and the police take a vigil outside west gate of the temple |
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Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in the morning shine |