Rare jewels not found as Mathura’s Banke Bihari temple's treasury doors open after 54 years

A day after many treasure rooms (toshkhana) were ordered to reopen in Mathura’s Banke Bihari temple by the Supreme Court-appointed panel for the first time in 54 years, the shrine’s priests on Sunday claimed gold and silver bars, gemstones and precious coins were found in a long box in one of the sealed chambers.

Temple priest Dinesh Goswami told TOI, “One gold bar and three silver bars were spotted with ‘gulal’ on it. They were recovered from a long box in the toshkhana. The metals were each roughly 3-4 feet in length. In addition, a few gemstones of red and green colour, precious coins and utensils of different metals were found.”

The rooms were locked since 1971 and the decision to reopen them was taken last month by a high-powered panel.


Mathura DSP Mathura Sadar, Sandeep Singh, who was among those who entered the chamber, said a video of the exercise was made and that committee members and police were present during the opening.

ADM (finance and revenue) Pankaj Kumar Verma said the finds will be presented to the panel, while the vaults have been sealed again.

On Day 1 of the exercise on Saturday, only a few brass utensils and wooden items were found. It is believed that the tokshana contains rare treasures, including a peacock-shaped emerald necklace, silver Sheshnag, a golden kalash with navratnas, royal offerings from Bharatpur, Karauli and Gwalior, old land deeds, sealed letters and temple gifts dating back to the 19th century.

The treasury was built in 1864 and has a long history, including two thefts during British rule in 1926 and 1936, after which its door was sealed. The doors were last opned in 1971 to shift jewellery to a bank.

The locals were left disappointed when they were told, “None of these past wealths were found”. Panel member Shailendra Goswami said, “You won’t find wealth in that place; whatever comes is dedicated to Thakurji. Cash and other offerings are put in the bank.”

(With TOI inputs)