Heavy security blanket over Thirivananthapuram

As people wait with bated breath to behold the opening of the secret vault today, the state has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure no untoward incident mars occasion

As people wait with bated breath to behold the opening of the secret vault today, the state has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure no untoward incident mars occasion
u00a0
The secret vault of the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thirivananthapuram set to be opened today and the Kerala government is taking no chances with security arrangements. A special seven-member committee, along with the additional secretary to (Home) of the secret vault would decide on how to open the temple.


Temple turned fortress: Apart from the Quick Response Team, which
functions on the lines of the National Security Guard, 24 officials from
Kerala's Special Forces and over 160 police personnel have been
appointed to guard the temple. Pic/Yacoob Mohammad

The government has appointed a Quick Response Team (QRT), which functions on the lines of the National Security Guard (NSG). Apart from this exclusive team, 24 officials from Kerala's Special Forces and over 160 police personnel have also been appointed.

Nothing to chance
ADGPu00a0 Venugopal Nair said, "This fool-proof security has been set up with the intention to bring the police and technology together so that pilgrims do not bear the brunt of any untoward incident. This is a matter of pride and this day will go down in history, so we do not want anything to go wrong."

With over 10,000 pilgrims thronging the historic temple to be a part of the historic occasion, the town has turned into a melting pot for the curious. Richa Agarwal from Delhi, who is visiting the state with her family decided to visit the historic temple after the news of the treasure broke.u00a0

"We have heard about this land of god and are here to have a look at the treasure. Since the security here is advanced, we feel safe and would love to get a chance to be a part of history in the making," she said.
Meanwhile, this secret vault has become the hot topic of discussion amongst historians from across South India who are thronging the temple.

Historians rejoice
Renowned Kerala based historian, T P Shankaran Kutty said, "Maharaja Thirunal had opened the vault once in 1908 and found poisonous snakes. In Hindu mythology, snakes are considered a warning signal and so he abandoned his search for treasure fearing the downfall of his empire. After the vault was closed in 1908,u00a0 the keys were not found."