Supreme Court makes important Announcement on Kerala's Padmanabhaswamy Temple!- Details

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld that the rights in the administration of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala goes to the Travancore Royal Family and not the government. There was a dispute over management of the temple, which is one of the richest temples in the country. 

The controversy erupted over the administration and management of the temple and has been in the Supreme Court for around the last nine years under the charges of alleged financial irregularities.

The architectural marvel was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by Travancore Royal House which had ruled southern Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu. After independence, the temple was governed by a trust controlled by the royal family for whom Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) is their family deity.

The high court had initially directed the state govt. To set up a body or trust to control the temple and its assets, take up management and run the temple as per the traditions. However, the apex court on May 2,2011 stayed the High Court’s direction on taking over of the assets and management of the temple. 

The top court today had directed that a detailed inventory of the articles, valuables and ornaments in Kallaras (vaults) must be prepared.