Kerala High Court seeks reports on condition of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple idol

The Kerala High Court recently called for reports on the condition of the Moolavigraham (main idol) of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, while dealing with pleas raising concerns about defects noticed in the idol [R Rajasekharan Pillai v State of Kerala & ors and connected case].

A Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice MB Snehalatha on August 25 directed the temple's Administrative Committee to place on record an Expert Committee Report, as well as the opinion of the temple's Thantri (priest) in the matter.

Some of the parties before the Court had contended that the alleged defects of the idol have now been repaired. The Court has sought a report on whether the committee has taken such action, in line with the opinion and directions of the Thantri.

While directing the authorities to submit these reports, the Court emphasised that the matter was not to be seen as an adversarial dispute but as a matter of collective faith.

The Court added that while verifying the condition of the idol, all concerned must ensure that the sanctity of the idol is preserved.

"We close this order under the hortative hope that all the stakeholders understand that while dealing with such matters, what is relevant is not controversy, but the concerted belief and wishes of the millions of people who have their conscience focused on the idol. The cosmic power generated is beyond description, and it is the responsibility of every generation to ensure that the same is maintained, to be handed over to the next. This is what we want the Committees to ensure, but without interfering with the spiritual activities, which shall be controlled, in the normal course, by the Thantri and other spiritual experts," the Court said.

The Court was hearing petitions seeking reports on the steps taken to rectify defects reported in the Moolavigraham of the temple.

Standing counsel for the temple's Administrative Committee informed the Court that an Expert Committee was constituted after a 2017 inspection report, and that directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding temple administration were also being implemented.

However, the Court pointed out that no Expert Committee report had been placed before it regarding the rectification of defects or the condition of the idol.

The Court added that while there was a note on the matter submitted by the Thantri, this alone was not sufficient to verify the condition of the idol.

It clarified that the Thantri's opinion would carry more weightage in decisions concerning the temple's spiritual matters and the idol as he holds the role of 'father of the deity.'

It has now sought inputs in the matter from the Expert Committee as well and also directed that the Thanthri's note be placed on record.

The matter has been posted on September 11, 2025, for further consideration.

[Read Order]