Welcome to a journey of discovery and wonder as we embark on a series of blogs that unveil the enigmatic and uncharted realms of India. In a country as vast and diverse as India, the troves of hidden gems and lesser-known marvels remain scattered like secrets waiting to be unraveled. Beyond the renowned landmarks and bustling metropolises, lie the hidden places that encapsulate India's rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Our series of blogs is your passport to a world where ancient temples, forgotten caves, serene lakes, and mystical forests come to life. Join us as we delve deep into the heart of this incredible nation, shedding light on the obscure, the mystical, and the rarely explored corners of India. Each blog will be a portal to these hidden treasures, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical tips for those intrepid travelers and culture enthusiasts who seek the extraordinary and the untraded paths that India has to offer. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and enthralled as we unveil India's hidden wonders, one blog at a time.

Autumn Equinox: Nature's Balance

On Earth, one of the two days when the Sun aligns directly over the Earth's equator, rather than its usual course which is slightly either north or south of the equator is 23rd September. This astronomical phenomenon which marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, is known as the Autumn Equinox. One place where the Autumn Equinox holds particular significance is the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, India.

The word “Equinox” descends from combining the Latin words “aequinoctium” which means equal or even; and “nox” which means night. 

The autumn equinox occurs every year when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in nearly equal daylight and darkness hours. This celestial event has been celebrated for millennia across cultures, symbolizing balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life.

In many parts of the world, the equinox is a time of festivals, gatherings, and rituals. People come together to reflect on the changing seasons, express gratitude for the harvest, and prepare for the colder months ahead.

A Spiritual Oasis

Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala in South India lies the enchanting Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This temple, which is widely considered as the world's richest temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds a special place in the hearts of people of Bharat and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. Its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and powerful spiritual aura make it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

The temple is significant for not only for its grandeur and historical value; but it also plays a fascinating role in observing the Autumn Equinox. A visual hallmark of this temple is the Gopuram which was built in the 16th century during the reign of Travancore king Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. The Gopuram which is carved out entirely from granite and bricks that rises upto 100 feet above the ground, with a foundation that is nearly 40 feet deep. It has a pyramidal structure and rests above the main east entrance to the temple.

Furthermore, the idol of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy is composed of 12,008 fossilized stones or ammonites (also known as shaligram) which were brought all the way from the banks of river Gandhaki situated in Nepal.

The temple's architectural design is such that on the day of the equinox, the sun's rays directly align with the temple's principal deity, Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy and one can observe the Sun rising and setting exactly through all the window openings. This spectacle which creates a captivating sight drawing devotees and curious onlookers from all corners of the world is evident of combining architecture along with a complex understanding of geometry, astronomy and precise engineering.

As the sun rises, its rays gradually illuminate the temple's inner sanctum, gradually moving closer to Lord Padmanabha's idol. This moment is also considered auspicious and symbolic of divine blessings.

The temple authorities often organize special events and cultural programs to mark the equinox, making it a vibrant and lively occasion. Traditional music, dance performances, and offerings of flowers and incense create an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.

As the world continues to change and evolve, places like the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple serve as reminders of our connection to nature and the enduring power of spirituality. The autumn equinox at this temple is a testament to the harmonious interplay between the celestial and earthly realms.

Unveiling the Treasure Trove

The 8th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In this temple, you will find Lord Vishnu reclining on the hooded serpent Anantha.

It was during the time of King Marthanda Varma that this temple saw a major renovation. What we see today is the result of the meticulous renovation work on the ancient temple. The devout King Marthanda Varma took it upon himself and the royal family to look after the temple and the people of the state/kingdom. This was followed by the tradition of Thripadidanam, the donation to the temple and its deity. The last Maharaja of Travancore Maharaja Sree Padmanabha Dasa Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, in 1965, formed the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Trust to continue religious offerings and donations.

To this day, the temple is run by a trust headed by the royal family. The donation is not confined to those residing in the state, it can be from anywhere and anyone. Though entry to the temple is only allowed to the Hindus. And it is because of this donation that we are here discussing this.

Back in June 2011, as a result of a petition filed in the court seeking transparency in the management of the temple and the subsequent investigation of the temple complex, six subterranean vaults were found inside the Padmanabhaswamy temple. They were subsequently named vaults A, B, C, D, E, and F. Out of the six, they managed to open five, from which came out items like gold coins, statues, jewelries, precious stones, crowns and even thrones made of gold! The collection turned out to be the largest ever recorded collection of items of gold and precious stones.

It must have been a mammoth task to inventory whatever they could. Several guesses were made by people from all over the world because the full detail of the inventory was never revealed. Sad day for the curious cats!

Out of the six vaults, only five were opened after a lot of struggle with the mega locks which successfully kept the vaults hidden away from the world. Vault A had most of the treasures out of the five open vaults. When all the items were combined, it was a mind-boggling amount of gold and other precious items. Some of the findings were: 

4-foot high and 3-foot wide solid pure-golden idol of Mahavishnu studded with diamonds and precious stones; solid gold throne which was meant to accommodate a 18-foot idol of the deity; 

thousands of pure gold chains, one of which was 18-foot long; 

sacks full of gold coins from Roman Empire and the medieval period. 

And believe me, this is not even the tip of the iceberg. It is not possible to give an exact number, such was the amount of treasures that came out from the vaults that were opened.

A public interest petition was filed in the Supreme Court of India for proper assessment of the wealth and maybe a change of management. However, in 2020, the royal family won the fight and they remain the sole authority over the management of the temple and everything that comes with it.

Now, the unopened one–Vault B–brings us to the next part of our story. As per various news reports, Vault B could never be opened, no matter how hard they tried. On top of that, the temple management committee were reluctant to even do something about it, not because of the hard work, but because it is believed that the Vault B is guarded by some supernatural powers. It was also said that anybody who attempts to open the mysterious vault will be inviting some serious troubles. Nobody knows where these stories came from but it is also believed that whatever is behind the door of Vault B, it is guarded by venomous snakes, vampires and supernatural powers. So Indiana Jones!

As it is a common practice with unknown things and entities, stories get created, mostly outlandish and some downright creative. One such creative story about the mysterious Vault B is that somehow the mysterious vault opens out to the Arabian Sea. This version of the story exists because, apparently, some temple authorities tried to open the vault’s door when all of a sudden they heard sounds of waves crashing. They obviously retreated and gave up.

Venomous snakes or the rough waters of the Arabian Sea, this we have no way of knowing. What we know as of now is that the temple’s treasure has been there for several thousands of years. Right from the kingdoms such as the Cheras, the Pandyas, the Pallavas, the Cholas, and many more, they all have been donating generously to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. How much wealth is too much wealth? And all of these have been going on for thousands of years. It’s safe to say that the wealth and mysteries of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is unfathomable.

Quick Facts About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

1. Location: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in West Nada Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

2. Visiting Hours: In the morning: 03:30 am to 12:00 noon. In the evening: 05.00 pm to 8:30 pm.

3. Entry Restrictions: Only Hindus are allowed to visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

As you plan your next journey through India, consider the mystical allure of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where ancient secrets meet timeless spirituality, and the wonders of the past continue to captivate the present. Join us on this expedition of discovery, as we uncover the treasures and mysteries that lie hidden within the heart of India.