Banke Bihari temple complex… presence of officials, Goswami, police force and some selected servants… everyone’s eyes were fixed on one place – the treasury room, the door of which was closed for the last 54 years. It is said that history breathes in this room, a confluence of faith and mystery resides.
It was the day of Dhanteras. People were preparing for Lakshmi Puja in their homes, at the same time a room in the Banke Bihari temple, which had been closed for half a century, was being opened. On the orders of the High Power Committee, it was decided to open that lock. As soon as the door of the room opened, everyone present there started looking with surprise.
The scene inside was like an old story. There was a smell of dampness all around, thick layers of dust on the walls, and it was also filled with water. But it was not the kind of treasure people think of – not heaps of gold and silver or jeweled crowns, but some silver vessels and utensils, covered in layers of time.
As soon as the team started cleaning, suddenly there was a movement. Some people stepped back, some focused the torch on the ground. Two small snakes were crawling there. The forest department team was called. The team caught both the snakes safely. For a few moments the whole atmosphere became mysterious.
This entire action lasted for about three hours. During this time, discussions continued between the Sevayat Goswamis and administrative officials of the temple, and heated debates also took place. Some Goswami were angry that the High Power Committee should not interfere in the tradition of the temple. They also raised slogans like High Power Committee Hi-Hi, Dinesh Goswami Hi-Hi. On the other hand, the officers remained calm and engaged in completing the action.
The room was filled with mud and water. There were rats on the floor, mold on the walls and a strange dampness. All this was making that room mysterious.
CO Sadar Sandeep Kumar said that the treasury was opened on the instructions of the High Power Committee and during the investigation only a few silver utensils and vessels were found. He also said that this action will continue further, the treasury will be reopened after the instructions of the High Power Committee. At present the treasury has been sealed.
Temple servant Ghanshyam Goswami said that only a few metal utensils were found in it. He said that only people associated with the High Power Committee were allowed to enter, whereas traditionally the four nominated Goswamis of the temple have the right to do so.
The news of opening of the treasury spread throughout Vrindavan. Curiosity increased among devotees and local people. Everyone wanted to know – what was found in that room? Was there some divine thing hidden there? Or just memories of the past? The crowd gathered outside the temple was immersed in reverence and mystery. After three hours the room was locked again. This time hundreds of people became witnesses, who peeped inside this gate of the temple after half a century. Saw the treasury opened.
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