Thiruvnanthapuram:
The priceless treasure in Kerala's Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple should not be moved out of the shrine. That is what a group of astrologers have concluded after conducting a four-day ritual called
devaprasnam to find out the "will of the deity."
The ritual reportedly found that taking the treasure - located inside the vault of the temple - out of the temple complex would affect the sanctity of the shrine. It also cautioned against opening the yet to be examined vault called 'Vault B', as it is located below the sanctum sanctorum.
Padmanabha Sharma, astrologer, who participated in the
devaprasnam said,"Opening the secret vault will weaken the sanctum sanctorum and will invite the deity's anger." The ritual also pointed out that the treasure faces threat of theft and needs more security.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy visited the temple premises and reviewed the security arrangements. Talking to reporters outside the temple, he said that a permanent high tech security system would be put in place by November.
On questions on the outcome of the
devaprasnam, Mr Chandy said the government would take into consideration the points revealed by the
devaprasnam. "It is a question of faith and believers' sentiments. If the apex court sought to know the government's view, we will convey our stand," he said.
National Museum Director C V Ananda Bose, who heads the five-member Supreme Court panel constituted to scientifically evaluate the treasures, also reviewed the security of the temple with top police officials including DGP Jacob Punnose.
Mr Punnose said the state police had drawn up a comprehensive plan for the security of the temple which included installation of sophisticated equipment. The security plans were worked out in such a manner that it would not affect the temple rituals or cause any difficulty to worshippers.
(with PTI inputs)