Padmanabha Swamy Temple Set to Become Global Pilgrim Centre

Addressing the media, Modi, famously known as “Dr M”, said the objective of the global movement was to restore “Sanatana Dharma” to its original glory as the guiding force of the world with the Padmanabha Swamy Temple as its nerve centre.

He informed the media that a development committee would soon be set up, as part of the initiative, with the consent of the Travancore royal family, for the overall development of the shrine.

The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple had shot to fame after a staggering $22 billion (R 90,000 crore) worth of treasure trove was unearthed from the temple in 2011. Modi said the security of the temple, which has priceless treasures in its secret vaults, should be enhanced with state-of-the-art facilities. “This is world’s richest temple and built on the base of 1,208 saligramams. It is an architectural marvel, yet, nobody has the vision to develop this temple as a global pilgrim centre. It requires focus and support from Hindus across the globe and we are at it,” he said.

The committee would work to develop the shrine as a global destination of pilgrimage and” spiritual tourism with Advaita philosophy as core theme, Modi said.

Modi, an admirer of Advaita philosophy and Adi Shankaracharya, said that the movement also has plans to set up an Advaita centre near the Padmanabha Temple. In connection with the launching of the movement, a two-day workshop was held here on April 21 and 22.