UDUPI, INDIA, July 26, 2011 (IBN live): With wealth worth over billions being unearthed from Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple, wealth suspected to be stored or hidden in other temples are now the talk of the town. Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi, with a history of over 800 years, is no exception to it.
In fact, a legend dating back to the period of Sri Vadiraja Theertha, who is considered to be the second highest saint in the Madhwa hierarchy, engraved on the walls of Sri Subrahmanya (Serpent God) Gudi situated inside the premises of Sri Krishna Temple, also talks of the same. According to it, wealth is stored underground in the Sri Krishna Temple, on which the shrine for the serpent god has been built.
So the legend goes:
Sri Vadiraja Theertha was on a pilgrimage in North India, worshiping his pattada devaru (Bhoovaraha) in Delhi. However, soldiers of the Delhi Empire objected, saying that the Emperor’s son was about to be cremated there. Sri Vadiraja replied saying that was impossible, as the body was not dead. Upon hearing that, the Emperor rushed to the spot and as Sri Vadiraja chanted mantras, the Emperor’s son got up. Pleased by his supernatural powers, the Emperor offered him wealth, which Vadiraja rejected. However, the Emperor insisted, and the saint accepted it only to immerse it in the river Ganga. The Emperor then gave him more wealth, which he took to Sri Krishna Temple. The treasure was buried at the temple, and a serpent God protects it.