The Supreme Court upheld the authority of the Travancore royal family in the administration of the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. The administrative committee managing the affairs of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple will be chaired by the District Judge of Thiruvananthapuram.
The court quashed the Kerala High Court’s order of 31 January 2011, asking the state government to set up a trust to take control of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple.
It is believed to be the richest temple in India. A few years ago, this temple came into the limelight when more than one lakh crore treasure was found there, it is said that more than this is locked in the cellars there. Now this temple is once again in discussions.
It is said that this temple was built in the 10th century. However, at some places there is mention of this temple being of 16th century. But it is quite clear that in 1750 Marthanda Varma, a warrior from Travancore, increased its wealth by conquering the surrounding areas.
The rulers of Travancore had dedicated their kingdom to God to grant divine approval to the rule. They declared God as the king. An idol of Lord Vishnu is also found from the temple which is made of Shaligram stone.