Sree Padmanabhaswamy's 'Vairanamam' also stolen; bigger than Sabarimala gold theft? gold and diamonds missing
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A precious diamond-studded ornament known as the ‘Vairanamam’, which was supposed to be kept under tight security inside the sanctum sanctorum of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, has reportedly gone missing. According to a report submitted by the DGP, centuries-old gold, diamonds and other valuable ornaments were also stolen along with it. The missing items are believed to be worth several crores of rupees. The investigation report, submitted by the DGP six months ago, came to light only on Wednesday.
The revelations are being compared to the infamous Sabarimala gold theft case. The large-scale theft involving valuables worth crores was detailed in the report submitted by the State Police Chief to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bishwanath Sinha.
Records show that the ‘Vairanamam’ was taken out six months ago for polishing. A large quantity of gold from ornaments donated by devotees is also suspected to have been stolen. Preliminary findings suggest a shortage of 9.75 sovereigns of gold.
Golden lamp also missing The temple’s main golden lamp was allegedly taken away in the name of repair work. The lamp, which has seven golden petals and is used for the temple’s deeparadhana ritual inside the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Padmanabha, is currently missing. A silver lamp is now being used in its place. During an inspection, Thiruvananthapuram DCP Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh had found gold particles scattered around the area and recommended shifting them to strong rooms for safety. A silver bowl that had earlier gone missing from the temple was later returned by the driver of a person connected to the temple, leading to further suspicion. Investigators suspect that stolen items were smuggled out through the Chembakathummoodu gate, an entrance usually accessed only by palace-related persons. There are reportedly no security checks or scanners at this gate.
Link between temple and palace thefts? Authorities are also investigating whether the theft at Kowdiar Palace is connected to the thefts at the temple. A large amount of money deposited into the bank account of a person linked to the palace is also under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the temple Executive Officer dismissed the allegations as baseless. Temple authorities stated that the temple remains under CCTV surveillance and that no security lapse has occurred.
What is ‘Vairanamam’? The ‘Vairanamam’ is a valuable ornament placed on the forehead of a small Krishna idol located on the body portion of the main deity at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The ornament is designed in the style of the sandalwood mark traditionally worn on the forehead by Vaishnavites. It resembles a decorative forehead band and is embedded with 108 precious stones, with a ruby fixed at the centre. The ornament is believed to be worth several crores of rupees.