Thrissur (Kerala): The Guruvayur Devaswom in Thrissur holds gold valued at ₹1,601 crore, according to a reply given to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Krishnadas of Peralikkalam, a native of Mannarkkad in Palakkad district. The response also states that temples under the Guruvayur Devaswom possess additional gold and silver articles.

The information was provided by Guruvayur Devaswom Public Information Officer N Shaju Shankar.

The total quantity of gold held is approximately 1,39,895 sovereigns. At a rate of ₹1,14,500 per sovereign, the value works out to ₹1,601 crore.

As per details provided:

  • 869 kg of gold has been deposited with the State Bank of India under the Gold Deposit Scheme.
  • 245.52 kg of gold is recorded in the double locker register.
  • 4.46 kg of gold, given for making gold lockets, remains with the Central Government’s Mumbai Mint.

Golden crown offering

The temple also has a gold crown weighing 174 grams (21.75 sovereigns), offered as a votive donation. Designed to be adorned on Lord Krishna on special occasions, the crown is attractively crafted with pearls and precious stones. The offering was made by Sini Ajayakumar, wife of C S Ajayakumar, proprietor of Ajay and Company, Thrissur.

According to the double locker register, the Devaswom possesses 1,357 kg of silver. In addition, 4,978.89 grams of silver belonging to the Devaswom is with the Central Government at its Hyderabad Mint. This brings the total silver holdings to 6,335 kg.