Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7 (NationPress) The debate surrounding the opening of Vault B at the renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala has emerged once more after nearly five years.

This topic was addressed during a joint assembly of the temple’s administrative and advisory committees convened in the state capital on Thursday.

It was highlighted by the state government's representative that no decisions regarding Vault B's opening have been made since the Supreme Court's 2020 ruling.

At that time, the apex court opted not to issue a directive, instead allowing the temple committees to make the best judgment regarding the vault.

However, during the recent meeting, the representative of the temple’s tantri (Chief Priest) was notably absent.

The committees have now tasked the tantri with making the final call on this issue and to relay the decision at a later time.

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is internationally acclaimed for its vast treasures, with six vaults said to harbor gold, gemstones, and invaluable artefacts.

While five of these vaults have been opened, Vault B—often dubbed the ‘secret vault’—remains untouched, steeped in legends, mystery, and fears regarding structural and spiritual implications.

Compounding the mystery, a previous report by former C&AG Vinod Rai, appointed by the Supreme Court, suggested that Vault B had been opened twice in the past, a claim vehemently denied by the former Travancore Royal Family, who historically managed the temple.

The royal family insists that Vault B has always remained sealed and should be treated with utmost respect.

The Supreme Court intervened in this matter back in 2011, following claims by devotees of significant financial misconduct in temple management, particularly concerning the gold holdings.

An interim management committee was established to supervise temple affairs, and in 2014, amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam presented a report that raised serious concerns.

Historically, the Travancore royal family assumed control of the temple after Maharajah Sree Anizham Thirunal dedicated the kingdom to the deity in 1750, proclaiming that the royals would serve as 'Padmanabha Dasa' (servants of Lord Padmanabha).