Thiruvananthapuram: The long-standing mystery of Vault B at the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is back in focus. Kerala government’s representative A. Velappan Nair has reignited debate by urging the temple committee to take a final decision on opening the sealed chamber, citing the Supreme Court’s directive that grants the committee full authority on the matter.
The proposal came up during a joint meeting of the temple’s Administrative and Advisory Committees. However, the discussion hit a pause, as other key members—including Union government representative Karamana Jayan and Travancore royal family member Aditya Varma—insisted the matter should be discussed only in the presence of the Thantri (chief priest) due to the chamber’s religious significance.
For years, the royal family and temple authorities have firmly opposed unsealing Vault B, citing a devaprasnam (divine consultation) which warned of dire spiritual consequences if the chamber was disturbed.
While no final decision was taken at the meeting, where other matters like pond renovation and temple staff issues were prioritized, the topic is expected to return to the table—this time with the Thantri’s presence for religious guidance.
