Kerala govt to meet all expenses for security at temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government would provide adequate security to the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple here where enormous wealth was found hidden in secret cellars, state Finance Minister K M Mani said on Thursday.

"The government has already set apart Rs one crore for tightening security of the temple. Whatever more is required will be sanctioned immediately," he said in the assembly replying to discussions on the budget.

The temple shot into the limelight with the unearthing of a stunning range of articles, comprising gold ornaments, and gold platters and lamps from its cellars during an inventory by a Supreme Court appointed committee.

Mani said besides the funds set apart for integrated road development and waste management at the hill shrine of Sabarimala, a health package would also be introduced for pilgrims to the Lord Ayyappa temple.

A sum of Rs 12 crore had been set apart for development of the famous Attukal temple, known as women's Sabarimala, and its surrounding areas, he said.