Government of India
Ministry of Culture 

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 988
ANSWERED ON MARCH 04, 2015 / PHALGUNA 13, 1936 (SAKA) 

QUESTION
Establishment of Museum at Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram 

988. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

 Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state;

 (a)   the steps taken by Government to preserve and protect the rich history of the Padmanabhaswamy temple at Anantha in Thiruvananthapuram in view of the treasures worth several crores of rupees, found there recently; 

(b)   whether Government has deputed central agencies for the security of this temple;

 (c)    if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

 (d)   whether Government would consider establishing a museum of international standards to exhibit the treasure found in the temple vaults; and

 (e)   if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? 

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

 (a): Matters pertaining to preservation and protection of the treasures of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram are before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The matter is sub-judice.

 (b)&(c): No, Sir. As directed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide its Orders dated 02.05.2011 and 21.07.2011, at present the security to the Temple is provided by the Kerala State Police.

 (d)&(e): As per the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Expert Committee appointed by the Supreme Court, has submitted a Museum Feasibility Report and the matter is under the consideration of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Hence, the matter is sub-judice.