The Supreme Court recently rejected a request made by the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trust, seeking to be excused from undergoing an audit of 25 years. The directive for the audit had been made by the court in the previous year (2020). This stirring development has brought the temple back into the limelight and prompted a review of its intriguing history and significance in India’s religious landscape.
Background Context
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has frequently been in the news, especially since 2011, when an immense treasure valued at over Rs. 1 lakh crore was discovered in its subterranean vaults. This mammoth find prompted a shift in the management and administration of the temple, with the Supreme Court stating in 2011 that according to customary law, even post the death of the last known ruler, the members of the royal family held the shebait rights. In simpler terms, this indicates the right to handle and manage the financial affairs of the deity.
The Role of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trust
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Trust was established by the erstwhile Travancore royal family. Despite this link, the Supreme Court directed the formation of an administrative committee, chaired by the District Judge of Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to provide a transparent way of administrating the temple in future.
However, the trust contended that it was formed to supervise only the temple’s rituals, having no role in managing its administration. Therefore, it claimed to be a separate entity from the temple itself and argued against being subjected to an audit.
Looming Financial Stress
The Administrative Committee, contrastingly, has pointed out a dire financial predicament, stating that the donations received are far from adequate to cover the expenses. Consequently, it has urged for an audit of the trust overseen by the Travancore royal family, in connection with the temple.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: A Historical Overview
Experts and historians believe that the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple traces its origin back to the 8th century, while the present structure was constructed during the 18th century by Marthanda Varma, a ruler from the Travancore lineage. The original structure was made of wood which was later replaced by granite.
Prominently reflecting the Chera style of architecture, the temple worships Lord Vishnu, depicted in the eternal yoga reclined posture (Anantha Shayana) on Adishesha, the king of all serpents. The temple is recognized as one of the 108 holy temples in India associated with Vaishnavism.
This ongoing controversy around the audit offers a fresh perspective on the management of religious establishments and places the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at the center of this interesting discourse. It remains to be seen how this unique tug-of-war between tradition and transparency will unfold.