The Kerala High Court bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice MB Snehalatha directed the Administrative Committee of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to update on securing consent from five identified shilpis and finalizing materials required for renovating the Moolavigraha.
The court is hearing a petition alleging defects in the temple’s principal murti. The Administrative Committee submitted the Report of the Committee of Experts for Renovation of Moolabimbam, informing that work cannot commence until the five expert sculptors consent to the project and have been approached for response.
The court emphasized that renovation tasks must be carried out with the sanctity that holds the cosmic power of the temple, noting shilpi consent is indispensable. The expert committee will finalize the materials list within two weeks.
Since the Lakshadeepam festival culminates January 14, 2026, actual renovation can only begin post-festival. However, the court clarified it will not wait until then for progress updates, particularly regarding shilpi consent and material quantification.
The court expects regular reporting before the December 10 hearing.
The petitioner sought appointment of a former IAS officer and temple Executive Officer as Special Commissioner to oversee Lakshadeepam 2025-26. The court declined, noting the temple is already governed by an Administrative Committee chaired by the District Judge and Advisory Committee led by retired Justice TR Ramachandran Nair.
The court directed these bodies to oversee festival preparation and submit post-event reports through standing counsel.
Follow for updates on temple renovation and festival preparations.
