2 sacred idols are guarding Lord Venkateswara's wealth at Tirumala for hundreds of years

The entrance to Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

In the spiritual haven of Tirumala, where millions seek solace and blessings, a silent vigil is maintained by two sentinel gods, Shankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi, at the entrance of the majestic Venkateswara Swamy temple. These two idols, crafted from five sacred metals, stand guard with a duty — the safeguarding of the wealth belonging to the presiding deity.

These deities, rooted in Agama Sastra, are hailed as protectors of the divine exchequer. While the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has assumed the responsibility of securing Lord Balaji's wealth in recent times, the priests assert that, according to ancient tradition, Shankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi have been the eternal custodians since the inception of the temple.

"From the day the main temple was constructed, the Shankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi gods have been the unwavering sentinels of Lord Venkateswara's wealth," a priest from Tirumala told Local 18. This assertion aligns with Agama Sastra, prescribing devotees to pay homage to these guardians before entering and exiting the temple.

The duty of Shankha Nidhi (who holds a conch) is specifically outlined — the protection of Lord Venkateswara Swamy's exchequer. Shankha Nidhi is one of the Nava Nidhis, who are the guardians of the Nava Nidhis of Kubera.

Shankha Nidhi is on the left side of a devotee while entering a temple from the east. Padma Nidhi, with a lotus in hand, guards the other side.

The staggering wealth of the deity includes 1.2 tons of golden ornaments, 10 tons of silver, and a treasury comprising Rs 17,000 crores in cash and 11,255.66 kgs of gold, according to a recent statement by TTD. Properties, including 6,000 acres of forest land and numerous identified assets, are also a part of Lord Balaji's holdings.

The Tirumala Temple is located on a hilltop about 3,200 feet above sea level.