Introduction
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, stands as a beacon of devotion and staggering wealth. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it has amassed Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures over millennia through royal offerings and pilgrim gifts.
In 2011, the world watched in awe as a Supreme Court order unveiled riches from five underground vaults, valued conservatively at over $22 billion. This makes it the world’s largest known hoard of gold and gems in recorded history. However, the mysterious Vault B remains sealed amid spiritual fears. In this article, as a Gemologist and Historian, I will delve deeper into the inventory, the ancient origins, and the specific gemological significance of this collection.
Discovery of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures
To begin with, on June 27, 2011, court officials opened Vaults A, C, D, E, and F around the sanctum sanctorum. These underground chambers revealed chaotic piles of artifacts in pots, baskets, and sacks. Subsequently, audits in 2014 surfaced two more chambers—Vaults G and H—which remain largely untouched.
- Vault A: This chamber stunned the world. After lifting a granite slab, teams found a dark room brimming with unsorted gold coins and diamonds.
- Vault B (The Enigma): Unopened since the 1880s, this vault poses the greatest mystery. A 2014 attempt revealed an iron door jammed shut. Moreover, an astrological “Devaprasnam” warned that opening it would invite calamity. Consequently, in July 2020, the Supreme Court denied access, respecting the religious sentiments of the devotees.
Inventory of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures: A Gemologist’s Dream
The inventory lists over 100,000 articles. However, for a gem expert, it is the quality that matters, not just the quantity.
Highlights of the collection include:
- The Deity’s Attire: A 30 kg ceremonial gold Anki and an 18-foot pure gold chain.
- The Thrones: Diamond-studded gold thrones meant for the 18-foot deity.
- The Coins: Sacks of Napoleonic coins, Roman Empire gold (thousands of them), and an 800 kg hoard of medieval coins.
- The Sarappalli Chains: Over 1,200 heavy gold coin chains, weighing between 3.5 kg to 10.5 kg each, encrusted with Emeralds and Sapphires.
From a gemological perspective, these stones are priceless. The diamonds are likely ancient Golconda Diamonds (the purest carbon), and the red stones are likely untreated Burmese Rubies. You can read about the value of such stones in my guide on Kempu Ruby: Tamil Nadu vs Kerala.
Origins of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures
Furthermore, the wealth spans thousands of years. These Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures were donated by major dynasties, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, and the Travancore Royal Family. Additionally, the presence of Roman coins proves that Kerala was a global trade hub long before modern history began.
Kerala’s rivers yielded panned gold for eons, fueling this accumulation. For instance, during the Mysore invasions (1760s-1790s), rulers from Malabar sought refuge here, depositing their temple treasures for safekeeping in the vaults of Padmanabha.
If you are interested in the history of jewelry in this region, check my article on Temple Jewelry in South India.
Managing the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures
In 2020, a landmark Supreme Court verdict restored the administration rights to the Travancore Royal Family, overturning earlier rulings. Thus, the family now manages the temple through a transparent committee, ensuring the rituals and the riches are protected.
Ultimately, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures are not a “Dead Investment.” It inspires the entire jewelry tradition of Kerala state. The designs found in the vaults are the ancestors of the jewelry worn by Kerala brides today. To understand the gold culture of our state, read my analysis on Gold Purity: Kerala vs Tamil Nadu.
FAQ
What are the Padmanabhaswamy Temple Treasures?
The vaults contain gold idols, diamond-studded thrones, thousands of Roman gold coins, and sacks of loose gems, valued at over $22 Billion.
Why hasn’t Vault B opened?
Spiritual lore predicts disaster if the vault is forced open. The Supreme Court has respected these religious sentiments and kept it sealed.
Who controls the temple today?
The Travancore Royal Family heads the administration committee, following the 2020 Supreme Court order.
Where did the gold come from?
It is the result of millennia of donations from South Indian dynasties (Cheras, Cholas, Travancore) and international trade merchants (Greeks, Romans).
Author Bio
P.J. Joseph, also known as Saju Elizamma, Gemstone & Gold Consultant serving Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
