‘Temple vault opening only after public opinion’

Opinion of all in the society will be sought on the issue related to the opening of vault B, Subramanium told reporters after holding a meeting with the temple authorities here. “Consultations will be held with general public, political parties and the Travancore royal family,” he said.

Subramanium, who also inspected the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, said there was no damage to the main deity (moola vigraha). The inspection lasted about six hours, temple sources said. Subramanium on Tuesday met the members of the Travancore royal family, who were opposed to the opening of vault B holding that it was against customs and century-old beliefs.

Temple Managing Committee Chairperson and District Judge K Hari Pal, Executive Officer V Rathesan (IAS), temple priest E Satheesh Bhattathiri were among those present on the occasion. The temple shot to fame after treasures worth crores of rupees were found when four vaults of the temple were opened in 2013. Only vault B remains to be opened.