Thiruvananthapuram: The management of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on Wednesday dismissed media reports alleging missing valuables and security lapses at the shrine, describing them as “baseless and false.”

In a press statement, the temple executive officer termed the allegations regarding missing valuables, improper handling of devotees’ offerings and security breaches as “malicious” attempts to damage the temple’s image and mislead the public.  

“The treasures of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple are safeguarded with the highest standards of security and reverence,” it said.

Security arrangements and handling of valuables

The statement said the temple premises are under continuous CCTV surveillance operated by the temple security wing along with the police. It added that movement of valuable articles, when necessary, is carried out only with prior intimation to security authorities and in their presence.

It also stated that staff members undergo frisking while entering and exiting the premises, and no incident of theft or misappropriation has been reported.

“The temple has always stood as a symbol of faith, devotion and cultural heritage. We assure all devotees that their trust in the Temple remains fully justified and there is no cause for concern or loss of faith,” the statement added.

The temple authorities urged devotees and the public not to be misled by what they described as unfounded rumours.

Background to media reports and temple vaults

The clarification came after media reports claimed valuables worth crores of rupees had gone missing from the temple.

A section of the media reported that around 78 grams of gold bars and coins received as offerings were allegedly missing from the shrine.

Reports also claimed that a copy of a letter sent by the state police chief to the additional chief secretary, pointing to serious security lapses in the temple, had surfaced.

In 2011, several underground vaults at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple were opened for the first time following a Supreme Court order to list the temple’s assets.

Of the six known vaults, five were opened and inventoried, revealing a large collection of gold, jewellery and precious stones estimated to be worth billions of dollars. Vault B remains sealed due to religious sensitivities.

In 2020, the Supreme Court upheld the rights of the erstwhile royals of the princely state of Travancore to administer the temple and its riches.