India Temple Treasures

Hindu priests walk in front of a building housing the vaults at the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex in Trivandrum, India.

Policemen change guard outside the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, India

Devotees rest on the steps outside the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, India. A vast treasure trove revealed in recent days has instantly turned the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple into one of the wealthiest religious institutions in India.

Hindu priests walk in front of a building housing the vaults at the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex in Trivandrum, India. A vast treasure trove revealed in recent days has instantly turned the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple into one of the wealthiest religious institutions in India.

Two Policemen change guard outside the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, India. A vast treasure trove revealed in recent days has instantly turned the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple into one of the wealthiest religious institutions in India.

An Indian police officer stands guard outside the the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, the capital of the southern state of Kerala, India

A photograph of the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, the capital of the southern state of Kerala, India. A vast treasure trove of gold coins, jewels and precious stones unearthed at the lightly guarded Hindu temple in India was expected to grow further in value as the last two secret vaults sealed for nearly 150 years are opened. The government has increased security since the treasure's discovery in recent days, which has instantly turned the temple into one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the country.

Devotees leave the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, India. A vast treasure trove revealed in recent days has instantly turned the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple into one of the wealthiest religious institutions in India.

The 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is seen in Trivandrum, India. A vast treasure trove revealed in recent days has instantly turned the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple into one of the wealthiest religious institutions in India.