Royal family draws flak over ‘Devaprasnam’

Friday, September 02, 2011: The Apex Court today severely criticised the Royal family in connection with the ‘Devaprasnam’ conducted at Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple here to ascertain the divine will through astrology.

Hearing on the Royal family’s petition filed against the opening of the temple vault “B”, the Court ruled that it had no interest to interfere in the traditional customs of the temple. The Court also enquired whether the Royal family had no trust in the Expert committee chairman.

The state government must take necessary steps to improve the security arrangements at the temple, the Court said. But the court reiterated that security is most important and the state govt should take proper measures to provide complete security.

Earlier report: -

‘Devaprasnam’ had also found that the huge riches found in the shrine’s vaults should not be moved out or alienated.

Taking the huge treasures out of the temple complex would lead to an ominous fallout and even affect the sanctity of the shrine itself, Madhur Ranga Bhat, who heads the panel of astrologers, told reporters here this evening.

The exercise also cautioned against opening one of the yet to be examined vaults as it is below the sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Lord Vishnu in reclining posture stands, Bhat said.

The ‘devaprasnam’ found there had been serious lapses in the conduct of rituals and customs of the temple, which could affect even the nation, the astrologer said.

These aspects would be further examined on the concluding day of the ritual on Wednesday and the panel would summarise the findings and prescribe ‘pariharakriyas’ (resolutions), the rituals to be performed to overcome the shortcomings, he said. The ritual was conducted at the ‘natakasala’ building at the eastern street of the temple.

Meanwhile, the five-member committee appointed by the Supreme Court to scientifically evaluate the treasures found in the vaults is scheduled to meet here on Wednesday to discuss on how to proceed on the task entrusted with it.

The committee, headed by Director of National Musueum C V Ananda Bose, had an initial meeting here last last week.