K. Srinivasan draws a parallel between a greedy minister and a benevolent royal of yore, who through their contrasting deeds, have been the cynosure of media eye.
In recent days, two Rajas are mostly spoken about in print and TV. The first Raja is our ‘spectrum’ infamy Andimuthu Raja, who is now an inmate of the Tihar Jail. The second Raja is the Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma and his descendants. What is the similarity, or difference between these two Rajas?
Spectrum Raja allegedly misused his public office, usurped the properties of others and amassed huge wealth.
The other is Marthanda Varma, Maharaja of Travancore, who donated all his wealth to Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram in 1750, and remained, as ‘Padmanabha Dasan’, or servant of Lord Padmanabha. Marthanda Varma also donated his wealth silently sans any publicity.
As per the Supreme Court Order, the cellars were opened in the presence of representatives appointed by the Court. To their surprise, they found pots of gold, bags of jewellery and diamonds, etc.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the ancient Vishnu temples in India, dating back to around 6th to 8th century. The temple was administered by various Travancore Maharajas, who offered gold and jewels to the deity. Records show that many Indians have offered jewels and ornaments to this temple in those days.
After King Marthanda Varma took charge, he donated his entire wealth in 1750 to the temple, and started leading a simple life. They were entitled to 6% of state revenue at that time. But due to their simplicity, they spent very less. His descendants also followed a similar austere life. They were ruling a major part of Kerala as Maharaja in the name of Lord Padmanabha. Hence, they never used to wear ‘crown’.
There are six cellars — they were called nilavara in Malayalam — in the temple. These cellars are underground safe vault. For centuries, these cellars were not opened, though the Maharaja used to have the key. In 1908, an attempt was made to open one of the cellars. On seeing some snakes, the effort was abandoned immediately.
In 1931, one of the cellars was opened in the presence of then Maharaja and an inventory was taken on the jewels and ornaments. The other cellars were not opened.
Later, a case was filed by one of the devotees in the Supreme Court to open all the Cellars and find out the contents. As per the Supreme Court order, a seven-member committee was constituted, including some retired judges, to oversee the procedure. So far, five Cellars have been opened and it has been found that a lot of gold, jewels and diamonds are lying inside, estimated to worth anywhere between one lakh and five lakh crores.
The sixth Cellar, yet to be opened, is closed with a big metal door, depicting the sketches of ‘snakes’. The authorities could not understand the meaning of such drawings. It is expected that this cellar may contain more treasure.
The uncovering of huge wealth from the cellar has created an interest and excitement in the media. No wonder, the shrine has acquired the status of the ‘world’s richest temple’.
Even after India’s independence when royals surrendered to India, Travancore Maharaja wanted only a favour from the Government —to maintain their family temple of Lord Padmanabha. These Maharajas used to start the day with a visit to the temple. If for some reason, the Maharaja could not visit the temple on any day, they used to pay a ‘fine’ of Rs151 to the temple.
Though other temples are under the state government, this temple alone is managed by the Travancore Royal family.
After the treasure was unearthed, rationalists started a campaign that the riches have to be distributed among the ‘poor’. Technically, the treasure is found inside the temple, and hence Keralites treat this as the property of Lord Padmanabha. The Kerala government has also in agreement with this. Ditto, for the royal family.
This treasure has enormous archaeological value and importance. Since this is highly emotional and sensitive subject, all the stakeholders are awaiting the directions from the Supreme Court.
In this day and age, ministers pose as Rajas and usurp the wealth for their personal wellness. But, Marthanda Varma, an original Raja became a minister, making Lord Padmanabha the King, and himself a servant.
