Supreme Court not in hurry to lift lid over Padmanabhaswamy temple trove

Dispelling the impression that it is not directing unlocking the sixth vault of the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, the Supreme Court has said it can’t order so unless a foolproof security arrangement is put in place to take guard of the reported invaluable treasure stored there.

During the inconclusive hearing on the law suits involving contesting claims regarding the necessity to reopen the treasure trove, judges said they are not asking the authorities to open the sixth vault for want of assurance that the priceless jewels, the jewelry, the gold idols and similar wealth would be protected.

“The decision isn’t owing to superstition’’ a bench of Justice RV Raveendran and Justice AK Patnaik assured while reserving its ruling. It is expected that the bench would pass an order on October 21 regarding unlocking the Vault B.

Meanwhile, judges would examine the opinions of an expert committee and other stake holders. “Our order has nothing to do with the prevailing superstition that opening of the vault will spell ill omen’’, the court said.

The 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple attracted global attention after priceless wealth was found in its vaults sealed for over 150 years. There are many estimates of the secret treasure worth ranging from Rsone lakh crore and far above.

“We are not anxious to break traditions but will not encourage superstition,” the court added. “Somewhere down the line, a compromise has to be hammered between tradition and faith, and the security of the temple treasure,” a bench concerned with the faith expressed by the devotees said.