Sri Padmanabha V/s Supreme Court

Sri Padmanabha V/s Supreme Court 
Karthika C

 Trivandrum: The news about the treasure trove in the vaults of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple has bowled over not only Keralites but also people from other parts of the world. Plenty of stories embellished with colour and spice have been spreading from the very first day of stock-taking. Believers and atheists got to their feet in two groups and voiced their opinions. The discussions and controversies are still raging. The intervention of the Supreme Court has given the controversy a new dimension. With the entry of astrologers to the scene to conduct Devaprashnam the debate has taken a new turn.

Interestingly the findings of the Devaprashnam and the Supreme Court order contradict each other. It was found in Devaprashnam that the opening of the B vault would have disastrous consequence including the extinction of the family of the person who opens it.  Also, the disclosure about the details of the immense wealth has made Lord Padmanabha unhappy.

               

                Now the opening of the vault has turned into a Sri Padmanabha versus the Supreme Court issue. All are curious to know whether this will lead to an open fight between the God and the law of the land.

               

                Public opinion as to the credibility of the Devaprashnam is divided. A number of respondents especially the youth expressed skepticism about the very idea of the Devaprashnam. Saji A. S., a journalist trainee with Kerala Kaumudi said that the Devaprashnam lacked scientific basis.

                 

                With a reference to the yet-to-be-opened B basement, the astrologers have said that the aura of the temple has a close link with the vault and opening it could unleash the wrath of the deity. This could upset the very administrative set-up of the country. Taking the enormous treasures out of the temple complex would be ominous.

               

                Sheethal, a Post Graduate in English Literature said "everyone knows that Sri Padmanabha Temple is of national significance and after the discovery of huge mass of gold and other wealth, Intelligence Department has cautioned against terror attack. The judgment of the Devaprashnam is no different".

               

                Students of journalism, Archana and Beena spoke in support of the custom. Archana is of the opinion that the stocktaking must not be resumed as seen in the thamboolaprasnam. Stocktaking would create more problems, she believes." The world knows that it is a priceless treasure. So there is no meaning in collecting details again. The view of the royal family must be taken in to consideration", she opined.

               

                A group of archeology students also spoke in favour of the Devaprashnam. Such rituals have been conducted in temples for years and are an integral part of Hindu customs. Even the daily chores of the temples are conducted in accordance with Devaprashnam.

               

                Arya S. Nair, another journalism student believes that there is always a chance of the priests getting influenced by the news in the media and approaching the question with prejudice. Engineering graduate Dwija believes that this treasure symbolizes the tradition and culture of our country. “It should be estimated and the stocktaking should continue."

               

                Now everyone is eager to know whether the  will of the deity or the judgment of the Supreme Court will prevail.