Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which shot to global fame in 2011 as a mind-boggling hoard of gold and precious stones was discovered in its underground vaults, is back in the limelight but this time, for the wrong reasons.
Gopal Subramaniam, the amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court, has reportedly made shock revelations in his report to the court, including his suspicions that gold ornaments have been smuggled out of the temple, apparently with the knowledge of influential people.
A final verdict is awaited from the apex court but the adverse remarks in the report are considered to be a setback for the Travancore royal family that has been the traditional custodian of the temple’s assets.
The temple is estimated to be carrying gold, precious stones and ornaments worth roughly Rs1 trillion (Dh60.8 billion) in its vaults.
The report also criticises the auditors, stating that they “failed in performing their ethical and moral duties”.
Early indications are that some 17 kilograms of gold ornaments may have been smuggled out. The revelations raise disconcerting concerns over the manner in which the temple administration is being carried out. Subramaniam has recommended the formation of an independent team to conduct a fresh audit of the temple.
Local historian Malayinkeezh Gopalakrishnan told a television channel that if the reports of gold smuggling out of the temple were true, it would be “tantamount to cheating the believers and Sree Padmanabha alike”.
The amicus curiae’s report does not mention when exactly the alleged pilferage took place, but if it indeed is true, it will likely embarrasss a state government spending roughly Rs10 million a month on the security of the temple.
The presence of a gold plating machine in the temple has also led to speculation that gold ornaments may have been pilfered out after replacing them with ornaments that were gold plated.
The suggestions of the amicus curiae, if implemented, can completely alter the present style of management at the temple, which gives wide powers to the Travancore royal family. Observers here say that the state government may find it difficult to completely alter the temple management style, particularly given the fact that the southern Travancore region is seen to still hold high regard for the erstwhile monarchy.
