Only those authorised by priest and in state of purity can touch Padmanabhaswamy temple idol: Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday observed that the Moolavigraham (main idol) of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple can only be touched by those authorised to do so by the tantri (Chief Priest) of the temple, after they have undergone vrathams (fasting) and shudhikaranam (purification rituals), even if it is to carry out repair works on the idol  [R Rajasekharan Pillai v State of Kerala & ors and connected case].

A Bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and MB Snehalatha was hearing petitions seeking reports on the steps taken to rectify defects reported in the Moolavigraham.

Justice Ramachandran today noted that there were limits to how far the Court can intervene in the matter, and that it is ultimately up to the temple's tantri to supervise the repair work.

"As far as we are concerned, we can only go by the conceded position that there are some defects (in the idol). Now, how it is to be done – it has to be done under the supervision of the tantric (priest). To say that you are going to enter inside and repair/ touch the idol - it is a very delicate situation ... Only authorised persons, having taken vratham and with that purity can go in. Whether or not it is followed in practice, we don’t know. But it’s a belief ... All of these are our beliefs," he said.

The judge emphasised that only those permitted by the Chief tantri of the temple can even touch the idol for repair work.

"One thing is sure. If you want to touch the moolavigraham (idol), it has to be done in a particular manner. Not anyone in the world can touch it. Only the authorised tantris and those permitted to do so by the priest can. Even if an ashari (carpenter) has to do it (touch the idol for repairs), we believe the ashari has to take the vratham, undergo purification, and then only they can do it. That’s the belief. I personally believe so. Suppose, I am an expert and tantric says carry out some work/ entrusts some work to me – I believe that I must go through a process of purification," he remarked.

He further flagged concerns that in some temples, there were even reports of liquor being brought inside.

"I’m not talking about Padmanabhaswamy temple, but there were even allegations that some saw liquor in some temples. I am not talking about any one temple," he said.

He ultimately reiterated that it would be up to the tantri at the temple to supervise the repair works for the Moolavigraham.

"These are not things that ordinary humans like us can speak about expertly. We believe certain people have that power. For the time being we believe and we hope that the chief tantri will be in a position to handle all this. You are only executing officers. Can any of you touch the idol? Who all are authorised to do so by the temple? If someone has to enter inside, and touch the idol and work on it – who can do it? Only those who are authorised by the Chief tantri. It is for you to now work with him - we are pushing you to do that, that’s all," the judge added.

He also briefly commented on the aura and antiquity of the several centuries-old Padmanabhaswamy temple.

"Chaithanyam sheyichu (translation: the temple's aura has diminished), some are saying. The chaithanyam (aura) there is universal chaithanyam - how to check it, we do not know. (Speaking) as an ordinary worshipper, layman, there is nothing less about the chaithanyam there. It’s a very powerful place, a cosmic centre. For how many centuries has it been there?" the judge remarked.

The case will be heard next on October 24. The matter was adjourned today so that the petitioners may go through a memo submitted by the administrative committee of the temple.