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Supreme Court’s silence on Padmanabha Swamy temple treasure is quite baffling
In Short
An exploration into the controversy surrounding the Padmanabha Swamy Temple's Vault B. We analyze the intersection of judicial rulings, religious beliefs, and the constitutional mandate for a scientific temper in India
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The aftermath of the Iran-US war has resulted in shortage of crude oil and rise in prices. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been appealing to the people against buying gold, while reasoning that we import gold by paying in dollars. However, the union government is silent on the unaccounted heaps of gold, diamonds and other ornaments in the vaults of the Padmanabha Swamy temple near Trivandrum. According to estimates, the hidden treasure in the temple, in the form of gold, ornaments, and jewellery, are valued between $20 billion and one trillion dollars. In its 2011 judgement, the Kerala High Court stated that vault ‘B’ should not be opened till the treasure that has been unearthed in six such vaults is digitally accounted. In 2020, the Supreme Court authorised the royal family to manage the temple’s affairs.
The apex court also stated that vault ‘B’ (underground chamber) should not be opened respecting the people’s sentiment that if it is opened God would curse them and the vault could collapse. A rumour is also about two cobras protecting the treasure and anyone forcing open the vault may suffer bad consequences. In recent times, even women forest inspectors are intensifying efforts to catch venomous snakes in the region.
One wonders if the highest court of the country defends unscientific myths and hearsay, where in the country heading.
A local legend warns that if the door, which is protected by venomous serpents, is disturbed then it would spell disaster to the temple and the region. As a matter of fact Indian constitution pleads for developing scientific temper, while the Supreme Court believes in blind beliefs. What is the sanctity of our constitution?
To understand the changed political situation, one must take stock of the verdict delivered in 2020.
According to a media report, on August 22, 2016, around 669 pots containing gold and silver bars had reportedly disappeared. Now a doubt arises whether the decision not to open the vault is only to cover up the disappearance of gold? It seems a tunnel has been constructed under the existing vault. There is also another rumour that this disappearance was through this tunnel.
Astrologers believe that the hidden treasure belongs to the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu. If that is touched, people may earn the wrath of the Lord, warn many astrologers. The Supreme Court, respecting the sentiments of devotees, gave an injunction order against opening the vault. Astrologers have performed the Devaprasnam process and stated that nobody should touch the wealth, nor should they be photographed, videographed or evaluated. Moreover, it should not be kept in public display. Is there any rationality in this injunction? Some astrologers have warned of global catastrophe if the doors of vault ‘B’ are. It makes me wonder if the hidden treasury of rajas and maharajas are kept idle.
(The writer is Chairman, Central Control Commission-CPI)
