Fort Knox-inspired security and a Louvre-modelled sophistry dug 20 ft underground vault could turn out to be among the world’s most safe and best secured museum of treasures.

Conjured within would be blast- and fire-proof chests of compelling 316-Grade stainless steel where priceless artefacts would display under smooth but durable fibre-optics lighting.

PRICELESS TREASURES

This is what leading architect-consultant N Mahesh ( >www.iyerandmahesh.com ) is proposing for the safe viewing and suitably sheltered upkeep of the enormous wealth in antique gold and precious stones famously discovered at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here.

Explaining the logic, Mahesh recalls that the world’s treasures are also the most advertised ones, public viewing of which is allowed in controlled access through layers of automated and manual security protocols.

“Most of them are in exhibition. Then only will they be safe,” he adds while introducing ‘Nidhi Darshan,’ his museum concept for safe-keep of the Lord’s treasures.

HOLOGRAM DISPLAY

Total number of visitors to the museum facility would be limited to 30 batches of 50 each a day as part of abundant caution, says Mahesh.

Before one is ushered into the real exhibits, one would be treated to a holographic a 3-D photo museum overground showing large-scale holograms, illuminated with lasers and displayed with carefully directed lighting.

They would be actually two-dimensional surfaces showing absolutely precise 3-D images of the treasured objects.

The exhibit of the antique wealth is for the public - not just for those of a particular religion, caste or creed, as it is with the current location near the sanctum-sanctorum.

So, the design for underground museum provides for an entry that can be gained from outside the temple precincts.

ENGAGING ATTENTION

The proposal is now engaging the attention of officials both the temple administration and the Kerala Government.

An estimated Rs 220 crore could be all what it takes to build the underground museum project running into all of 40,000 sq ft to display treasures conservatively estimated to be worth more than a lakh of crore, says Mahesh.

The museum concept would also put paid to endless speculation of what may (or may not) hold currently within the cold cellars and how they are (or are not) taken proper care by the temple administration.

Issue of personal souvenirs with the inscription ‘I’ve seen Nidhi Darshan’ would round off the visit like in the case of a Machu Picchu or a moon rock at Cape Canaveral.

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