My visits to Trivandrum were mainly to meet up with family, but at the same time, I did take some time out, to spend that solitary one hour somewhere far away from the rush.
On similar terms, as a family , we used to make it a point to visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple. Amma's pious nature and devotion for Sri Vishnu ensured that we spent long hours in the silent corridors of the temple, mesmerized by the stone work and the rustic looks which was so typical of a family owned temple. And this aspect that the temple was under a trust and not with the Government was a big relief. Unlike other temples, where I knew that my devotion and donation would fund someone else's pocket, in Padmanabhaswamy temple, I had this assurance that my offering will remain with the God Himself.
And this exactly what we see unveiling in front of our eyes. The alleged "treasures" found in the temple is nothing more than the donations that was piled up over the centuries. And the Royal family with the thumb rule that they are the "dasas" to the God ensured that it remained with the deity. Added to it the humility that runs deep within the Royal family ensured that all the members thought in similar terms and it is not surprising that we don't hear about any internal rumblings within the Palace. The Royal Family till date is highly respected and even when we have the Temple they technically own under limelight, the studied silence maintained by the Family needs to be highlighted.
The hue and cry made by media is just not what is expected. The BIG question is what needs to be done with the money. Give me a break. What money are we talking about. And why call this a controversy. There is NO controversy comes what so ever. The wealth was in the Temple and it remains there. Period! And since Supreme Court is actively involved, I am sure justice will be served. Until then why not we not run into conclusions and not consider the Temple as a subject to cover 2 hours everyday in the news channels.
And involving other religions and beliefs is not acceptable. I doubt if any other religion spoke about the wealth found and what needs to be done. All of us in secular India, respect each and every faith. Today its the Temple and tomorrow it could be other institutions. Why cry for the money. Why say that it should be used for "developing the society"? If a nation which is more than 64 years old couldn't develop the country with its natural resources and strategy, why depend on the wealth of religious institutions to "improve" the society. Kerala is a state endowed with lots of natural resources and wealth. And what is our so called "Leaders" doing with it. Expect fill the papers with scams.
Hence to summarise my thoughts, the Temple affairs to be left to the trust, Royal family and now to SC. Please do not tarnish other religions and faith for no mistake or involvement of theirs. Keep the wealth away from any government control.
The Royal Family has taken care of this wealth for all these centuries and I am sure, because of the strange umbilical cord connection with the Lord Himself, they are the best judges when it comes to what needs to be done.
