Page 16 - history_Classical
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With the death of the mother of one of the observers and
another observer injuring his leg, the rumours were further
reinforced. Elderly residents living in and around the temple
also recalled having heard stories of how opening the B-vault
would trigger a flood as per the Ocean theory.
• Snake God Theory
Most of the superstitious
beliefs that surround the B-vault
stem from the engravings on the
door of the vault that resembles a
large cobra who is said to
represent the place of recline of
the temple deity Lord Vishnu.
Stories hence abound of how the door is protected by the
snake-god, and can only be opened by sadhus chanting the
‘Garuda Mantra’, the only hitch being there was no such sadhu
in India. If the vault was opened using man-made techniques,
it would lead to catastrophes, Hindu mythology experts had
felt.
• Ocean Theory
About a century ago, faced with a
severe famine, temple officials had tried to
break open the chamber, but stopped on
hearing what sounded like rushing water.
The story went on how the vault was connected to the Arabian
Sea, and once it is opened, the sea would flood the entire city.
