Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Difference between revisions

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The '''Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], the capital of the state of [[Kerala]], [[India]]. The name of the city of 'Thiruvananthapuram' in [[Malayalam]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] translates to "The City of Lord Ananta" (Ananta being a form of [[Vishnu]]).<ref name="Meaning of name">{{cite web|title=About Thiruvananthapuram|url= http://www.corporationoftrivandrum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158&Itemid=11 |publisher=Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation|access-date=29 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918085703/http://www.corporationoftrivandrum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158&Itemid=11|archive-date=18 September 2010}}</ref> The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the [[Architecture of Kerala|Chera style]] and the [[Dravidian architecture|Dravidian style]] of architecture, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century [[Gopuram|gopura]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Abram|first=David|title=The Rough Guide to Kerala|publisher=Rough Guides UK|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F5sDPbKUaz0C&q=padmanabhaswamy+temple+style|isbn=9781405388047|date=1 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="bbc"/> While as per some traditions the [[Ananthapura Lake Temple|Ananthapura temple]] in [[Kumbla]] in [[Kasaragod district]] in Kerala is considered as the original spiritual seat of the deity ("Moolasthanam"), architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the [[Adikesava Perumal Temple, Kanyakumari|Adikesava Perumal temple]] in [[Thiruvattar]] in [[Kanyakumari district]] in [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Aswathi">{{cite book|title=Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple|last=Bayi|first=Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay, India|year=1995}}<!-- |isbn=1-127-36587-8 ISBN deleted as it appears to not be stated in this book --></ref>

Several extant Hindu texts including the [[Vishnu Purana]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Ramesh |first=M.S |date=2000 |title=108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/108_Vaishnavite_Divya_Desams_Divya_desam/64_XAAAAMAAJ |publisher=Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam|page=137 }}</ref> [[Brahma Purana]],<ref name="Ramesh 2000 130">{{cite book |last=Ramesh |first=M. S |date=2000 |title=108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/108_Vaishnavite_Divya_Desams_Divya_desam/64_XAAAAMAAJ |publisher=Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam|page=130 }}</ref> [[Matsya Purana]],<ref name="Ramesh 2000 134">{{cite book |last=Ramesh |first=M. S |date=2000 |title=108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/108_Vaishnavite_Divya_Desams_Divya_desam/64_XAAAAMAAJ |publisher=Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam|page=134 }}</ref> [[Varaha Purana]],<ref name="Ramesh 2000 134"/> [[Skanda Purana]],<ref name="Ramesh 2000 130"/> [[Padma Purana]],<ref name="Ramesh 2000 130"/> [[Vayu Purana]] and [[Bhagavata Purana]] mention the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.<ref name="Ramesh 2000 130"/> The Temple has been referred to in the (only recorded) [[Sangam period]] [[literature]] several times.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-build-world-class-museum-near-padmanabha-temple/20110718.htm|title=Build a world-class museum near Padmanabha Swamy temple|date=18 July 2011|website=Rediff}}</ref> Many conventional historians and scholars are of the opinion that one of the names that the Temple had, "The Golden Temple", was in cognisance of the Temple being already unimaginably wealthy by that point (early Sangam period).<ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/eclectic-architecture-exquisite-features/article2236138.ece|title=Eclectic architecture, exquisite features|author=T. S. Subramanian|website=The Hindu|date=18 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="rediff.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-prof-mg-sashibhushan-on-padmanabhaswamy-temple%20treasure/20110712.htm|title=Treasure belongs to the temple and nobody else|date=11 July 2011|website=Rediff}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-build-world-class-museum-near-padmanabha-temple/20110718.htm|title=Build a world-class museum near Padmanabha Swamy temple|date=18 July 2011|website=Rediff}}</ref> Many extant pieces of Sangam Tamil literature and poetry as well as later works of the 9th century of Tamil poet–saints like [[Nammalvar|Nammalwar]] refer to the temple and the city as having walls of pure gold.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/vasudha-narayanan/endless-riches-in-the-end_b_894550.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in|title=The Real Riches of India's Vishnu Temple|website=HuffPost|date=11 July 2011}}</ref> Both the temple and the entire city are often eulogised as being made of gold, and the temple as heaven.<ref name="huffingtonpost.com"/><ref name="a.srivathsan">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/when-the-vault-was-opened-in-1931/article2201786.ece|title=When the vault was opened in 1931|author=A. Srivathsan|website=The Hindu|date=7 July 2011}}</ref>

The temple is one of the 108 principal [[Divya Desams]] ("Holy Abodes") in [[Vaishnavism]] according to existing [[Tamil language|Tamil]] hymns from the seventh and eighth centuries C.E and is glorified in the ''[[Divya Prabandha]]''. The ''Divya Prabandha'' glorifies this shrine as being among the 13 [[Divya Desams|Divya Desam]] in Malai Nadu (corresponding to present-day Kerala with Kanyakumari District).<ref name="108 Divya Desams">{{cite web|last=Elayavalli |first=Venkatesh K. |title=108 Divya Desam: A Virtual Tour |url=http://www.srivaishnava.org/ddesam/ddesam.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719231824/http://www.srivaishnava.org/ddesam/ddesam.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011  }}</ref> The 8th century Tamil poet Alvar [[Nammalvar]] sang the glories of Lord Padmanabha.

Another version regarding the consecration of the principal idol of the Temple relates to the legendary sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar. Swamiyar, who resided near [[Ananthapura Lake Temple|Ananthapuram Temple]] in Kasaragod District, prayed to Lord Vishnu for his ''[[Darśana|darshan]]'' or "auspicious sight". The Lord is believed to have come in the guise of a little boy who was mischievous. The boy defiled the idol which was kept for puja. The sage became enraged at this and chased away the boy who disappeared before him. Realising the boy was no ordinary mortal, the sage wept for forgiveness and asked for another darshan as a sign. He heard a voice say "If you want to see me come to the Anathavana (the unending forest or Ananthakadu). After a long search, when he was walking on the banks of the [[Laccadive Sea]], he heard a ''[[pulaya]]'' lady warning her child that she would throw him in Ananthankadu. The moment the Swami heard the word Ananthankadu he was delighted. He proceeded to Ananthankadu based on the directions of the lady of whom he enquired. The sage reached Ananthankadu searching for the boy. There he saw the boy merging into an iluppa tree (Indian butter tree). The tree fell down and became Anantha Sayana Moorti (Vishnu reclining on the celestial snake [[Ananta (infinite)|Anantha]]). But the edifice that the Lord assumed was of an extraordinarily large size, with His head at [[Thiruvattar]] near [[Thuckalay]], [[Tamil Nadu]], body or ''udal'' at Thiruvananthapuram, and lotus-feet at Thrippadapuram near [[Kulathoor, Thiruvananthapuram|Kulathoor]] and [[Technopark, Trivandrum|Technopark]] (Thrippappur), making him some eight miles in length. The sage requested the Lord to shrink to a smaller proportion that would be thrice the length of his staff. Immediately the Lord shrank to the form of the idol that is seen at present in the Temple. But even then many iluppa trees obstructed a complete vision of the Lord. The sage saw the Lord in three parts – thirumukham, thiruvudal and thrippadam. The swami prayed to Padmanabha to be forgiven. He offered rice ''kanji'' and ''uppumanga'' (salted mango pieces) in a coconut shell to the Perumal which he obtained from the pulaya woman. The spot where the Sage had darsan of the Lord belonged to Koopakkara Potti and Karuva Potti. With the assistance of the reigning King and some Brahmin households a temple was constructed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spst.in/temple-history/ |title=Temple History|date=25 June 2019}}</ref> The Ananthankadu Nagaraja Temple still exists to the northwest of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The samadhi (final resting place) of the ''swamiyar'' exists to the west of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. A Krishna temple was built over the samadhi. This temple, known as Vilvamangalam Sri Krishna Swami Temple, belongs to Thrissur [[Naduvil Madhom]].<ref name="Aswathi" />

In the ''[[Garbhagriha]]'', Padmanabha reclines on the serpent ''[[Ananta (infinite)|Anantha]] '' or ''Adi Sesha''.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Jayashanker|first1=S|title=Temples of Kerala|year=1999}}</ref> The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord's right hand is placed over a [[Shiva]] [[lingam]]. Sridevi-[[Lakshmi]], the Goddess of Prosperity and [[Bhudevi]] the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. [[Brahma]] emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. The deity is made from 12,008 [[Sila (murti)|saligramams]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Emily Gilchriest|title=Travancore|year=1939|edition=Second|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|location=Calcutta|page=151|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9OUxAAAAIAAJ}}</ref> These saligrams are from the banks of the [[Gandaki River]] in [[Nepal]], and to commemorate this, certain rituals used to be performed at the [[Pashupatinath Temple]].<ref name="Mathrubhumi Aug 12, 2011">Mathrubhumi, 12 August 2011</ref> The deity of Padmanabha is covered with, "Katusarkara yogam", a special ayurvedic mix which is made of 108 natural materials collected from all over India and forms a coat-like protection that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers, and for the abhishekam, special deities are used.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}

The platforms in front of the [[Vimanam (tower)|vimanam]] and where the deity rests are both carved out of a single massive stone and hence called "Ottakkal-mandapam". On the orders of [[Marthanda Varma]] (1706–58), the Ottakkal-mandapam was cut out of a rock at Thirumala, about {{convert|4|mi}} north of the temple. It measured {{convert|20|ft2|m2 dm2 cm2}} in area by {{convert|2.5|ft|in dm cm}} thick and was placed in front of the deity in the month of Edavom 906 M.E. (1731 CE). At the same time, Marthanda Varma also brought 12,000 [[shaligram]]s, [[aniconism|aniconic]] representations of [[Vishnu]], from the [[Gandaki River]], north of Benares (now known as [[Varanasi]]) to the temple. These were used in the reconsecration of Lord Padmanabha.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A History of Travancore from the Earliest Times|last1=Menon|first1=P. Shungoony|year=1878|publisher=Higginbotham and Co.|location=Madras}}</ref>

In order to perform [[Darśana|darshan]] and [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]], one has to ascend to the [[mandapa]]m. The deity is visible through three doors – the visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath his hand is seen through the first door; Sridevi and Bhrigu Muni in Katusarkara, Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord's navel, hence the name, "Padmanabha", gold abhisheka moorthies of Padmanabha, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthi of Padmanabha through the second door; the Lord's feet, and Bhudevi and Markandeya Muni in Katusarkara through the third door. The idols of two goddesses holding chamaram, [[Garuda]], [[Narada]], [[Tumburu]], the divine forms of the six weapons of Vishnu, [[Surya]], [[Chandra]], the [[Saptarshi]], Madhu, and Kaitabha are also in the Sanctum. Only the King of Travancore may prostrate on the "Ottakkal Mandapam" It is traditionally held that anybody who prostrates on the mandapam has surrendered all that he possesses to the Deity. Since the ruler has already done that, he is permitted to prostrate on this mandapam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Writer with a royal lineage|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article2455596.ece|access-date=15 September 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 September 2011|location=Chennai, India|first=Kausalya|last=Santhanam}}</ref>

Centuries back, several families of [[Vrishni]] Kshatriyas travelled to the south, carrying with them idols of Lord [[Balarama]] and Lord [[Krishna]]. When they reached the hallowed land of Sree Padmanabha, they gave the idol of Balarama, also known as Bhaktadasa, to Neythasseri Potti. Neythasseri Potti built a Temple at Budhapuram in the present day Kanyakumari District and had this idol installed there. The Vrishnis gifted the idol of Krishna to Maharaja Udaya Marthanda Varma of Venad. The Maharaja constructed a separate shrine, known as Thiruvambadi, in the premises of Padmanabhaswamy Temple for this idol. The Thiruvambadi shrine enjoys an independent status. Thiruvambadi has its own namaskara mandapam, bali stones and flagmast. The Lord of Thiruvambadi is Parthasarathi, the Divine Charioteer of [[Arjuna]], who is the warrior prince and one of the main protagonists that appear in the story of [[Mahabharata]]. The two-armed granite idol, with one hand holding the whip and the other resting on the left thigh holding the conch close to it, is in standing posture. On [[Ekadasi]] days, the Lord is dressed and decorated as [[Mohini]]. The Vrishnies who came to Venad and settled there are known as Krishnan Vakakkar as they belong to the lineage of Lord Krishna.

There are also shrines for Lord [[Rama]] accompanied by his consort [[Sita]], brother [[Lakshmana]] and [[Hanuman]], Vishwaksena (the Nirmalyadhari of Vishnu and Remover of Obstacles), [[Vyasa]] and [[Ashwatthama]] the [[Chiranjivi]]s, [[Ganapati]], [[Sasta]], and Kshetrapala (who guards the temple). Grand idols of [[Garuda]] and [[Hanuman]] stand with folded hands in the Valiya balikkal area.<ref name="Aswathi" /> The thevara idols of [[Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma]] and [[Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma]] are housed in the south east part of the Temple.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}

The foundation of the present [[gopuram]] was laid in 1566.<ref>{{cite book|title=The spirituality of basic ecclesial communities in the socio-religious context of Trivandrum/Kerala, India|year=1996|publisher=Editrice Pontificia Università Gregoriana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zcedqS4jOusC&q=Old+name+of+trivandrum+to+thiruvananthapuram+1991|author=Selvister Ponnumuthan|page= 62|isbn=9788876527210}}</ref> The temple has a {{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} high<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naturemagics.com/kerala-art-tour/padmanabhaswamy-temple-kerala.shtm |title=Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram Kerala |publisher=Naturemagics.com |access-date=3 July 2011}}</ref> 7-tier gopuram built in the [[Pandyan Dynasty|Pandyan]] style.<ref>T. Madhava Menon, (2000) A handbook of Kerala, Volume 1. pp.243</ref> The temple stands by the side of a [[Irrigation tank|tank]], named ''Padma Theertham'' (meaning the lotus spring). The temple has a corridor with 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with elaborate carvings which stands out to be an ultimate testimonial for the [[Vishwakarma]] sthapathis in sculpting this architectural masterpiece. This corridor extends from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum. An {{convert|80|ft|adj=on}} flagstaff stands in front of the main entry from the ''[[prakaram]]''(closed precincts of a temple). The ground floor under the gopuram (main entrance in the eastern side) is known as the 'Nataka Sala' where the famous temple art [[Kathakali]] was staged in the night during the ten-day ''uthsavam'' (festival) conducted twice a year, during the [[Malayalam calendar#Months|Malayalam months]] of Meenam and Thulam.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its property were controlled by the [[Ettara Yogam]] (King and Council of Eight) with the assistance of [[Ettuveetil Pillamar]] ("Lords of the Eight Houses"). The Ettara Yogam consists of Pushpanjali Swamiyar, six member Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha, Sabhanjithan (Secretary) and Arachan (Maharaja of Travancore). Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha was primarily responsible for the administration of the Temple. Koopakkara Potti, Vanchiyoor Athiyara Potti, Kollur Athiyara Potti, Muttavila Potti, Karuva Potti and Neythasseri Potti are the members of the Sabha. The Pushpanjali Swamiyar presides over the meetings of the Sabha. Sreekaryathu Potti is the Sabhanjithan of the Sabha.<ref>Sri Padmanabha Swamy Kshethram Charithra Rekhakalilude by S. Uma Maheswari</ref> Any decision taken by the Sabha can be implemented only if the Maharaja of Travancore approves of it.<ref>Charithram Kuricha Sree Padmanabha Swamy Kshethram by Dr MG Sasibhooshan and Dr RP Raja</ref> It is believed that eight members of Ettara Yogam (seven Potties and the Maharaja of Travancore) received their rights from Lord Parashurama Himself.

The temple and its assets belong to Lord Padmanabhaswamy and were for a long time controlled by a trust which was headed by the [[Travancore royal family]]. However, at present (since July 2020), the [[Supreme Court of India]] has divested the Travancore royal family from leading the management of the temple.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-rs-90000-crore-found-in-kerala-temple-belongs-to-lord-vishnu/20110706.htm Kerala government has no right over the wealth], 6 July 2011, Rediff.com</ref><ref name=toi8jul>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120919214354/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-08/india/29751405_1_ancient-temple-royal-family-centuries-old-temple SC halts opening of Kerala temple's last vault], TNN & Agencies 8 July 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Apex-court-restrains-opening-of-Kerala-temple-vault/815094/ Apex court restrains opening of Kerala temple vault] Express news service, Sat 9 July 2011</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/india/29754934_1_temple-riches-devotees-venugopalSree |title=Padmanabhaswamy temple treasure belongs to deity: Royal family |author=TNN |date=9 July 2011 |website=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106040316/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/india/29754934_1_temple-riches-devotees-venugopal |archive-date=6 November 2012}}</ref> [[T P Sundararajan]]'s litigations changed the way the world looked at the Temple.

*{{cite web |url=http://www.commodityonline.com/news/temple-treasure-do-gods-need-gold-40506-3-40507.html |title=Temple Treasure: Do gods need gold? |last=James |first=David |date=5 July 2011 |website=Commodity Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230803/http://www.commodityonline.com/news/temple-treasure-do-gods-need-gold-40506-3-40507.html |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Some people have suggested that a part of the stored riches reached the Travancore kings in the later years in the form of tax as well as conquered wealth of other South Indian kingdoms.<ref>{{cite news|title=Glittering details emerge of Indian temple treasure |url=https://montrealgazette.com/life/Glittering+details+emerge+Indian+temple+treasure/5051341/story.html |access-date=18 July 2011 |newspaper=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |date=5 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708181423/http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Glittering+details+emerge+Indian+temple+treasure/5051341/story.html |archive-date=8 July 2011 }}</ref> Most scholars however believe that this was accumulated over thousands of years, given the mention of the Deity and the Temple in several extant Hindu Texts, the Sangam Tamil literature (500 BC to 300 AD wherein it was referred to as the "Golden Temple" on account of its then unimaginable wealth), and the treasures consist of countless artefacts dating back to the Chera, Pandya, Greek, and Roman epochs. The ancient late-Tamil-Sangam epic [[Silappatikaram]] (c 100 AD to 300 AD at the latest) speaks of the then Chera King [[Cenkuttuvan]] receiving gifts of gold and precious stones from a certain 'Golden Temple' (Arituyil-Amardon) which is believed to be the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WQ5XAAAAMAAJ|title=Seran Vanji: Vanji, the Capital of the Cheras|last=Aiyangar|first=Sakkottai Krishnaswami|date=1 January 1940|publisher=Superintendent, Cochin Government Press|page=29|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k57RAAAAMAAJ|title=The Secret Chamber: A Historical, Anthropological & Philosophical Study of the Kodungallur Temple|last=Induchudan|first=V. T.|date=1 January 1969|publisher=Cochin Devaswom Board|page=47|language=en}}</ref><ref name=TheGoldenTower>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vns9AAAAIAAJ |title=The Golden Tower: A Historical Study of the Tirukkulasekharapuram and Other Temples |last=Induchudan |first=V. T. |date=1 January 1971 |publisher=[[Cochin Devaswom Board]]}}</ref>{{rp|65}}<ref name=TheGoldenTower />{{rp|73}}<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=STbMzFKaxcQC&pg=PA155 |title=Silappadikaram |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=S. |year=1964 |publisher=[[Bharathi Puthakalayam]]}}</ref> Gold had been panned from rivers as well as mined in Thiruvananthapuram, [[Kannur district|Kannur]], [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]], [[Kollam district|Kollam]], [[Palakkad district|Palakkad]] and [[Malappuram district|Malappuram]] districts for thousands of years. The [[Malabar Region|Malabar region]] (as a part of the "Tamilakam" region of recorded history) had several centers of trade and commerce since the Sumerian period ranging from [[Vizhinjam]] in the south to [[Mangalore]] in the north. Also, at times like the invasion by [[Mysorean invasion of Malabar|Mysore]] in the late 1700s, the other related royal families (of the Travancore Royal Family) in Kerala and the far south, like the Kolathiris, took refuge in Thiruvananthapuram and stored their temple-wealth for safekeeping in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.<ref name="thehindu.com"/><ref name="rediff.com"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="frontline.in"/><ref>

*{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-sree-padmanabhaswamy-temple-s-mysterious-vault-b-should-be-opened-expert-explains-65521|title = Why Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple's mysterious Vault B should be opened: Expert explains|date = 21 July 2017}}</ref> Also, much of the treasures housed in the much larger and as-yet-unopened vaults, as well as in the much smaller cellars that have been opened, date back to long before the institution of the so-called Travancore Kingdom, e.g. the {{cvt|800|kg}} hoard of gold coins from 200 B.C that was mentioned by [[Vinod Rai]]. Noted archaeologist and historian [[R. Nagaswamy]] has also stated that several records exist in Kerala, of offerings made to the Deity, from several parts of Kerala.<ref name="thehindu.com"/> Lastly, it has to be remembered that in the Travancore Kingdom, a distinction was always made between the Government (State) Treasury (Karuvelam), the Royal Family Treasury (Chellam), and the Temple Treasury (Thiruvara Bhandaram or Sri Bhandaram). During the reign of Maharani [[Gowri Lakshmi Bayi]], hundreds of temples that were mismanaged in the Kerala region, were brought under the Government. The excess ornaments in these temples were also transferred to the Vaults of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Instead the funds of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple were utilised for the daily upkeep of these temples.

On 4 July 2011, the seven-member expert team tasked with taking stock of the temple assets decided to postpone opening of chamber B. This chamber is sealed with an iron door, with the image of a cobra on it, and has not been opened due to the belief that opening it would result in much misfortune.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hayes|first=S|title=The Forgotten and Cursed Billion Treasure Trove Discovered Beneath Indian Temple|url=http://newsflavor.com/world/asia/the-forgotten-and-cursed-22-billion-treasure-trove-discovered-beneath-indian-temple/|access-date=18 July 2011|newspaper=NewsFlavor|date=10 July 2011}}</ref> The royal family has also said that opening chamber B could be a bad omen.<ref>{{cite news|title=Legend halts Kerala temple stocktaking|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/legend-halts-kerala-temple-stocktaking-150|access-date=18 July 2011|newspaper=[[The Asian Age]]|date=4 July 2011}}</ref> The seven-member team will consult with some more experts on 8 July 2011, and may make a final decision on opening chamber B.<ref name="Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple: Lord's riches worth more than Rs 1 lakh cr">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-05/news/29739016_1_market-value-Sree-padmanabha-swamy-treasure-trove|title=Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple: Lord's riches worth more than Rs 1 lakh cr|author=TNN|date=5 July 2011|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=5 July 2011|location=New Delhi}}</ref> An Ashtamangala Devaprasnam conducted in the Temple to discern the will of the Lord revealed that any attempts to open chamber B would cause divine displeasure, and that the holy articles in the other chambers were defiled in the inventorying process.<ref name="Mathrubhumi Aug 12, 2011"/> The original petitioner (T. P. Sundarajan), whose court action led to the inventory, died in July 2011, adding credence to the folklore around the temple.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/religion-obituaries/8650668/TP-Sundararajan.html Obituary : TP Sundararajan, who died on July 17 aged 70, obtained a court order which has led, this summer, to the opening of some vaults of the 16th century Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, in the southern Indian state of Kerala] ''The Daily Telegraph'', 20 July 2011</ref> Prior to this now-famous incident in July 2011, one of the several vaults in the temple which was not vaults B (untouched after the 1880s), G, or H (both rediscovered supposedly by the Amicus Curie only in mid-2014), was opened in 1931. This was possibly an antechamber of vaults A, C, D, E, or F that may not have been opened yet. This was necessitated due to the severe economic depression that India was going through. The Palace and State Treasuries had run almost dry. The small group of people, including the king and the priests, found a granary-sized structure almost full with mostly gold and some silver coins and jewels. Surmounted on top of it were hundreds of pure gold pots. There were four coffers filled with gold coins as well. Also found was a larger chest fixed to the ground with six sections in it. They were full of gold jewelry encrusted with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Besides these, there were four more chests of old coins (not of gold), and they were carried back to the Palace and state treasuries for counting.<ref name="a.srivathsan"/>

The [[Bhagavata Purana]] says that [[Balarama]] visited [[Phalgunam]] (more commonly known as Thiruvananthapuram), took bath in Panchapsaras (Padmateertham) and made a gift of ten thousand cows to holy men.<ref>"Srimad Bhagavata" (Page 381 of Volume Three). Translated by Swami Tapasyananda. Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai</ref> Though the sannidhyam of Lord Padmanabha has always been present in the holy land of Thiruvananthapuram, and it was a very ancient and renowned pilgrim spot even during the time of Balarama, the present-day temple for the deity came up later. The southwest part of the Chuttambalam was constructed at the holy spot where Lord Balarama is believed to have donated cows to holy men. This portion came to be known as Mahabharatakonam and covered the ground underneath which both Kallara B and Kallara A were situated.<ref>Letter of His Holiness the Pushpanjali Swamiyar to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan</ref>

According to a popular legend, many devas and sages devoted to Lord Balarama visited him on the banks of Padmateertham. They requested him that they may be permitted to reside there worshipping the lord. Balarama granted them their wish. It is believed that these devas and sages reside in Kallara B worshipping the Lord. [[Nāga|Naga]] Devathas devoted to the lord also dwell in this Kallara.<ref>"Sri Padmanabho Rakshatu" by G Sekharan Nair, Mathrubhumi, Thiruvananthapuram Edition dated 17 September 2017</ref> [[Kanjirottu Yakshi]], whose enchanting and ferocious forms are painted on the south-west part of the main Sanctum, resides in this Kallara worshipping Lord Narasimha.<ref>Bayi, Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi. 'Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple' (Third Edition). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2013.</ref> Holy objects like Sreechakram were installed beneath this Kallara to enhance the potency of the Principal Deity. Lord Ugra [[Narasimha]] of Thekkedom is said to be the Protector of Kallara B. There is a serpent's image on Kallara B indicating danger to anyone who opens it. A four-day [[Ashtamangala prasnam|Ashtamangala Devaprasnam]] conducted in August 2011 declared Kallara B as "forbidden zone".<ref name="The Hindu dated July 7, 2011">The Hindu dated 7 July 2011</ref>

The report named them Vault 'G' and Vault 'H'. Like Vault 'B' and all its antechambers, both these vaults and their antechambers were yet to be opened as of May 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/apex-court-finds-amicus-curiae-report-on-temple-disturbing/article5940660.ece|title=Apex court finds amicus curiae report on temple disturbing|author=J. Venkatesan|website=The Hindu|date=23 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Additional-District-Judge-takes-over-as-Sree-Padmanabhaswamy-Temple-administrator/articleshow/34283968.cms|title=Additional District Judge takes over as Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple administrator|website=The Times of India}}</ref> The report also mentions that Mr. Subramanian found several large trunks filled with artefacts made of precious metals and precious stones outside of the eight vaults and their antechambers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/among-locked-cellars-and-underground-paths-questions-on-temple-treasures-safety/article5939000.ece|title=Among locked cellars and underground paths, questions on temple treasure's safety|author=A. Srivathsan|website=The Hindu|date=23 April 2014}}</ref>

The Amicus Curiae has also been accused of conducting [[Puja (Hinduism)|poojas]] in the Temple in violation of its customs.<ref name="The Economic Times, June 25, 2014"/> He performed poojas at the Thevarappura in the Temple and in front of the Vedavyasa Shrine. Despite opposition from the Royal Family and the Tantries of the Temple, he pulled out a stone Yantra from the nearby Marthandan Madhom Palace and did pooja on it for several days. The Tantries explained that the Yantram had no connection with the Padmanabhaswami Temple and that it was for the protection of the Palace. But the Amicus Curiae insisted on having it installed in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple. Due to severe opposition from the Tantries the Yantram remains where it was. Every morning, Lord Padmanabha is to be awakened only by blowing the conch shell and chanting the Sripada Sooktham. But the Amicus Curiae introduced the daily rendering of Venkatesa Suprabhatam to awaken the Lord. The Supreme Court requested the Tantri to take the final decision on whether the Suprabhatam could be sung. Following that, the Senior Tantri Nedumpilli Tharananalloor Parameswaran Namboothiripad directed the Temple authorities to stop the chanting of Suprabhatam forthwith, as it was causing 'Anya Mantra Yajana Dosham' (affliction due to worshipping the Deity with incompatible mantras) to the Presiding Deity and the Temple. As atonement for this dosham, the Tantri wants Vedic scholars to chant 12 'muras' each of Rig Veda and Yajur Veda. In his first report to the Supreme Court, the Amicus Curiae directed the Tantries to examine whether a [[Sri Yantra]] can be installed in the Sanctum Sanctorum, in front of the utsava moorthi.<ref>Report of the Amicus Curiae, Pg 63</ref>

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131227024931/http://mapkerala.in/page/padmanabhaswamy_temple Padmanabhaswamy temple tour information]