DNA: Why was Banke Bihari's treasure discovered after 54 years? Find out what was found in the temple's treasure.

After 54 Years, Secrets Beneath the Banke Bihari Temple Emerge — What the Treasure Room Revealed

Vrindavan’s 160-Year-Old Mystery Room Opened After Five Decades

Vrindavan’s historic Thakur Banke Bihari Temple has once again become the center of attention after its ancient treasure room (known as Toshakhana) was opened on Saturday — for the first time in 54 years. Acting on the directions of the Supreme Court–appointed High Management Committee, officials unlocked the sealed chamber to inspect its contents. What they found, however, was far from glittering gold — the treasure held utensils, an old silver canopy, empty boxes, and even snakes.

The last time this room was opened was back in 1971, when temple ornaments and valuables were moved to a secure bank locker. Since then, the chamber had remained sealed — until now.

What the Committee Found Inside

The temple’s treasure chamber, located within the main premises, was opened under tight security in the presence of Civil Judge (Junior Division) Shipra Dubey and officials from the local administration. The opening process began around 1:30 p.m. and continued for nearly three and a half hours.

When workers finally cut open the heavy iron lock, they discovered that the 8-by-10-foot room was filled with soil and debris. After clearing it, another iron door was found behind a wall, which led to a smaller 6-by-4-foot chamber. Inside, the team found four iron chests and one empty wooden box. Two of the iron chests were opened, revealing bronze and brass utensils, while the remaining two are yet to be examined.

Among the items discovered were three large brass pots (deg), three small pitchers, one large plate, four round stone pedestals, and two brass bells. A small silver canopy (chhatra) was also recovered. Surprisingly, officials also found two small snakes inside the chamber, which were safely captured by the Forest Department team.

A Hidden Passage Below the Floor

As the excavation continued, the team removed a section of the stone flooring, revealing a narrow staircase of seven steps leading to another small underground room measuring 3 by 4 feet. Committee member Dinesh Goswami confirmed that this was likely the original treasure vault. However, this lower section was found completely empty except for traces of soil and the two snake hatchlings.

The team wrapped up the operation around 4:30 p.m. and resealed the entrance for further examination scheduled for Sunday.

Discrepancies and Questions Raised

Interestingly, officials also found an old newspaper dated February 1972 inside a wooden box. This discovery raised fresh questions, as records show the treasure was last opened in 1971. How a 1972 newspaper made its way inside remains unexplained. Committee member Dinesh Goswami, who was part of the inspection, declined to comment on the matter until the final report is submitted.

The High Management Committee has not yet released an official statement detailing the inventory. District Magistrate C.P. Singh confirmed that further excavation will continue on Sunday and a formal report will be prepared once the assessment is complete.

Concerns Over Security and Procedure

The inspection, however, did not go smoothly. Several temple sewayats (priests) accused the committee of violating protocol during the opening. They alleged that while officials and staff entered and exited the treasure area multiple times, no proper checking was conducted.

A heated exchange reportedly took place between temple priest Rajat Goswami and committee member Dinesh Goswami. Rajat Goswami questioned, “If people are going in and out without inspection, who will take responsibility if any valuable ornaments go missing?”

The priests expressed anger over what they described as administrative negligence, insisting that such a sacred and historic site deserved more careful handling.

Historical Context: The Last Opening in 1971

According to archival records, the treasure room was first sealed in 1971 after the temple’s offerings and ornaments were cataloged and placed in a State Bank of India locker in Bhuteshwar. No detailed list of items was prepared at the time, which has now made tracing the original valuables difficult.

Since then, the Toshakhana had been locked — guarded by generations of temple priests and watched closely by local devotees who regard the site as a symbol of divine heritage.

What Happens Next

Officials will resume their exploration on Sunday to open the remaining chests and document the contents formally. The discovery, while modest in material terms, has already captivated the nation — not for its gold, but for the mystery, history, and faith tied to Vrindavan’s revered temple.

The reopening of the Banke Bihari Temple’s hidden treasure after 54 years stands as a powerful reminder of India’s enduring spiritual legacy — where devotion, history, and curiosity come together beneath the sanctum’s ancient stone floors.