The Enigmatic Seventh Door of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of mysteries, particularly its seventh door. Believed to unleash catastrophic events if opened, this door has sparked public curiosity and debate. With an estimated wealth of ₹1,32,000 crores, the temple's secrets are closely guarded by the royal family. As the Supreme Court has allowed the opening of six doors, the enigmatic seventh door remains a topic of concern. Explore the fascinating stories and beliefs surrounding this ancient temple and its treasures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 09:35 IST

Exploring the Mysteries of an Ancient Temple

Every ancient temple is often intertwined with intriguing stories and mysteries. One such temple is shrouded in numerous secrets and beliefs, particularly regarding its seventh door, which is said to herald the end of the world upon its opening.

Let’s discover which temple we're referring to.

This temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

It is known as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The temple is entirely dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

A statue of Lord Vishnu is enshrined in the temple's sanctum.

Lord Vishnu is depicted reclining on the serpent Sheshnag.

What makes this temple fascinating is the multitude of mysteries associated with it.

It is also considered the wealthiest temple in the world.

The temple's total wealth is estimated to be around ₹1,32,000 crores.

Until 1947, the Travancore royal family ruled the region. After India's independence, it was integrated into the country.

Even after the merger, the Indian government did not assert control over this affluent temple, which remained under the royal family's management.

The royal family oversees the temple's maintenance through a private institution.

Given the temple's wealth and the surrounding mysteries, there has been a growing public demand to open its doors.

In response to public interest, the Supreme Court authorized the opening of six doors under the supervision of a seven-member committee.

From these six doors, treasures worth approximately ₹1,32,000 crores in gold jewelry and assets were discovered.

The most mysterious aspect of this temple is its seventh door, which remains a topic of debate regarding whether it should be opened.

This seventh door is considered enigmatic because it is believed that its opening could lead to catastrophic events.

Notably, this door lacks any locks or bolts.

It features only the depiction of two serpents, which are said to guard the door. These serpents are believed to protect it.

This door can only be opened through the recitation of specific mantras; no other means exist.

To unlock this door, the 'Garuda Mantra' must be chanted clearly and distinctly by a realized individual.

If the mantra is not pronounced correctly, it could result in the death of the person reciting it.

The head of the Travancore royal family, Tirunal Marthanda Varma, who is 90 years old, stated in an interview with an English newspaper that he has dedicated his life to the temple's upkeep.

He also warned that opening the seventh door could bring calamity to the nation, suggesting it should remain closed to preserve its mystery.

Most ancient constructions were created through mysterious methods, often safeguarded by mantras to maintain their secrets and prevent misuse of associated artifacts.

While curiosity about the treasures behind the seventh door is natural, tampering with something that has been mystically sealed is deemed inappropriate.

Keeping the seventh door closed does not harm anyone, but opening it could pose risks. Therefore, it is wise to keep it shut.