Open Cellar B of Padmanabha Swamy temple, experts tell SC

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An expert panel led by National Museums vice-chancellor C.V. Ananda Bose has told the Supreme Court (SC) that it was necessary to open the secret cellar B of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

The Travancore royal family and astrologers, who conducted a devaprasnam at the temple, have warned that opening the cellar would unleash disaster on the land.

The panel, which has been asked to assess the wealth found in the other cellars at the temple, said it was necessary to know the shape and structure of cellar B and its contents to ensure adequate security for the famous shrine.

Cellar B should be opened, examined and fortified to ensure miscreants are not able to enter it through an underground tunnel, the panel cautioned in its report. It said this was necessary as the present security was not adequate.

The panel had been deferring the decision on opening the cellar considering the sensitivities of devotees, who are alarmed by the devaprasnam warning.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Travancore royal family has toned down its strident opposition to opening cellar B in its response to SC.