From the title,one can easily guess the subject of discussion in this post. Yes, its about Padmanabhaswamy temple which has been in the news for past 1 week or so.Before this news,many dint know about this temple. I happen to visit this temple 11 years back. I dont remember much about my visit because it was just another temple in terms of everything.There was no much speciality in terms of temple architecture or design except for the 'garbhagriha' where the deity of Vishnu is depicted in a reclining position over the serpent 'Anantha'. Many believe that the temple was built by the King of Travancore.But it is not .One of the most famous rulers was Marthanda Varma,who took over the temple and renovated to the present form. Travancore royal family were Vishnu devotees and would visit the temple daily as was their custom.If they are not able to make it to the temple even for a day,they would deposit a certain amount to temple for skipping their visit.Such was their devotion and fear for god.Even today,the Travancore king pays Rupees 151.55 to the temple the next day if he is not able to make it to the temple.The administration ways of this temple implemented by Marthanda Varma,is still being followed. According to them,the temple is not being maintained by the money that comes as donation or hundial deposits,as is the case in almost all temples.The donations and hundial deposits will remain untouched. The money earned by the Travancore family by selling pepper and other spices to the west is being used for temple administration and maintenance.This custom is being followed to this day.
Now the question arises from where did all those wealth came in those temple vaults? This wealth belongs to the Travancore Royal family .Marthanda Varma donated all those wealth to the temple and pledged that he and his descendants would "serve" the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa, meaning "Servant of the Padmanabha"..The rulers of Travancore were not as well known as Tipu Sulthan or Cholas . But they were their people's god.He had pledged that the wealth donated to the temple would be used if there were any droughts or famines in his state. Till date,the wealth donated has not been used by the family of Travancore for any of their personal purposes.The Mathilakom records shows how such a huge amount of wealth was managed so well without a single pie stolen. Now there is no Kingdom of Travancore and so those wealth cannot be declared as public either.
I do not want to comment on what has to be done with that wealth.Let the court(Not rulers) decide .If it is asked to be taken over by govt,not a single pie will reach the poor.Better if it remains with the Royal family and temple trust until they find good alternative.It has been safe and well managed for many centuries and it will be so for centuries to come.There is lot to be learnt from this by our so called "elected democratic" present rulers.
The wealth is not only from the Trivancore King. It can also from other sources who donated. Moreover, when Muslims attacked India, Kings from different places could have placed their temple's wealth in some common place to safe guard it so that they can take it back fter chasing the invaders.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, now what is going to happen is that, government will take the control of the temple stating the security for the huge wealth. Then all idols and gems will be transferred slowly to other countries and money goes to Sonia's account.
The blame goes to our Honourable Prime Minister.
Quite a good read that sheds light on the recent happenings at the temple. However, I beg to differ from your viewpoint "There was no much speciality in terms of temple architecture or design". It is one among the 108 holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu in India. Some of the architectural splendors of the temple include the main deity which is sculpted off a single rock, the main gopuram , the 7 feet tall idol of Hanuman, elaborate carvings on the pillars of the temple and the peculiar clock outside the temple called the 'Methanmani' which works like magic even today. These are just to name a few of the specialities. What sets this temple apart from the other legendary temples in Kerala is its following the Dravidian style of architecture, being built of stone entirely. Almost all the other temples in Kerala have a common feature that wood is one of the main building materials used. It is the only temple to have the idols of Vishnu in all three positions(Sitting,Standing and Reclining). Though this could have been a sentimental comment from my side -being brought up in the city of Thiruvananthapuram and having paid numerous visits to the temple- the Travancore royal family deserves the wealthiest of praises for their efficient ruling of the state before independence when they were leading the humblest of lifestyles. Always having preferred to be known as the Dasas of the Lord they never sought worldly pleasures from the temple's money. Till date the temple remains under their control unlike other temples in India. So there is no doubting that they were not unaware of the treasure trove the temple hosted. Hats off to them for not having abused the wealth and maintaining a perfectly clean record. Something for the current leaders to feel ashamed of their doings. A model for the Gen Nex to imbibe and follow.
ReplyDeleteMass da depo..lets wait for the judgement,then we wil come to know whose account the money is going to be transfered. i have never been to that temple, i have been to padmanabapuram palace,which is quite near to my native..
ReplyDelete@Siva: Padmanabhapuram was Travancore king's first capital da..later Marthanda Varma changed his capital from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram for better access to sea trade:)
ReplyDeleteder is a speciality da.. the moolavar(the main idol) is stretched across 3 garbhagrahas i guess,, in one u will see His face,next His body and the last one His feet :)..
ReplyDelete