The Hindu : National : 2 more vaults opened at temple

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National

2 more vaults opened at temple

G. Mahadevan

— File Photo: S. Mahinsha

The Maharaja of Travancore, Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, at the commecement of the Arat procession of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in 2006.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The seven-member committee appointed by the Supreme Court to make an inventory of the contents of the six vaults (kallaras) inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here opened two more of them on Tuesday.

The first to be opened was vault D on the northern side inside the “Nalambalam.” This reportedly contained, among other things, a crown, golden chains, and plates. The second to be opened was vault F on the south-eastern corner of the “Nalambalam” towards the exit to the Thekkedom Narasimhamoorthy temple. This chamber reportedly contained numerous pieces of jewellery and precious stones. While some precious stones were kept on shelves, others were kept in wooden boxes and on the floor. This vault also reportedly contained the articles normally used to adorn the idol of Narasimhamoorthy.

As on Monday — when vault C on the north-western side inside the Nalamabalam was opened and an inventory made — the contents of the vault were only counted and weighed. Though the Supreme Court had allowed photography and videography of the inventory process, it is learnt that in deference to the customs of the temple, this was not done.

On Wednesday, the panel is expected to open vault E, which is under the custodianship of the ‘Periya Nambi' or chief priest. This vault is not kept sealed. Vaults A and B, the contents of which are the subject of a controversy, are expected to be opened only after an engineer studies their structural safety and any possible impact to the structural integrity of the sanctum sanctorum when opened. These vaults are rumoured to lead right under the ‘Ottakkal Mandapam' which houses the main deity.

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