THE GREAT SPHINX DOOR

There are numerous doors around the world that have remained closed for decades and even centuries, and the question is, why? It seems that nowadays, you can open any door you want. However, the truth is that some doors were sealed for grave reasons, and their treasures and mysteries remain unknown. Let's explore four such doors that guard their secrets all too well.

First, let's talk about the Taj Mahal in India, known as one of the most romantic places in the world. Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, this magnificent structure was dedicated to his beloved third wife, who tragically passed away while giving birth. The construction of the Taj Mahal took 20 years to complete. The layout of the building is intriguing, with four massive minarets standing on the corners of a large platform. These minarets were strategically placed by the chief architect to prevent potential collapse and minimize damage to the rest of the Taj Mahal if they were to fall. Despite its grandeur, the Taj Mahal hides sealed rooms throughout the complex that nobody is allowed to enter. Additionally, there are two sealed basements visible from the riverside, their contents and purpose remaining a mystery since the time of Shah Jahan. Some researchers speculate that the rooms may contain marble that has turned into calcium carbonate, which can deteriorate rapidly when exposed to carbon dioxide. The lack of airflow and potential accumulation of CO2 in these sealed rooms could pose a threat to the stability of the minarets. Interestingly, there are also theories that suggest one of the sealed rooms may contain the preserved body of Shah Jahan's wife. The Taj Mahal holds countless secrets, waiting to be unveiled.

Next, we have the Great Sphinx of Giza, a monolithic statue shrouded in mystery. This ancient marvel with the body of a lion and the head of a woman is estimated to be around 4,500 years old. While the construction took three years and involved a hundred workers, the secrets of the Sphinx lie underground. Using a seismograph, scientists have detected two hidden chambers beneath the Sphinx's paws. Speculation suggests that these rooms might be the legendary Hall of Records, said to hold ancient scrolls revealing the secrets of the universe. There are even rumors of information about Atlantis being stored there. However, the chambers remain sealed, with no official permission granted yet for exploration. The secrets beneath the Sphinx continue to captivate our imagination.

Moving on to the Swami Temple in Kerala, India, this temple is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and the enigmatic vaults hidden beneath it. There are six vaults, named A, B, C, D, E, and F, each guarded by enormous iron doors. In 2011, five of the six vaults were opened to the world, revealing a treasure trove of gold, gemstones, and priceless diamond jewelry estimated to be worth a staggering one trillion dollars. The temple's underground vaults evoke images of Aladdin's Cave of Wonders. However, vault B remains closed despite multiple attempts to open it. Legend has it that only a saint or sage can break the curse that protects the contents of Vault B by chanting a specific mantra. While no conclusive evidence supports this claim, it adds to the allure of the sealed chamber. Some stories even mention temple invaders encountering supernatural snakes when attempting to loot the vault. Though these tales may be urban legends, the mystery surrounding Vault B persists, waiting to be unraveled.

Lastly, deep beneath a hill in Xi'an, China, lies the ancient tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Born in the state of Qin, he unified the Warring States and established the Qin Dynasty. When he died in 210 BCE, he was buried in a massive underground tomb that remains largely untouched. In 1974, farmers stumbled upon the famous Terracotta Warriors near the tomb, triggering an extensive archaeological dig that has continued for over 40 years. Thousands of clay soldiers have been discovered, each with unique features. However, the central tomb, believed to be the resting place of the emperor himself, remains unexplored. Ancient records suggest that the tomb contains an underground city, complete with scenic towers and palaces. The tomb is said to be surrounded by liquid mercury, which was believed to provide immortality but could also be hazardous. High levels of mercury contamination in the soil near the tomb have hindered further exploration, posing risks to both humans and the environment.

These doors, guarding the secrets of the Taj Mahal, the Great Sphinx, the Swami Temple, and the first Emperor's tomb, continue to intrigue and fascinate us. While their mysteries remain locked away for now, perhaps one day, they will reveal their hidden treasures and unveil the enigmas that lie within.