BJP leader L K Advani on Saturday said tradition should be maintained with regard to the huge treasures found in the vaults of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram and praised the Travancore Royal family for keeping such an enormous wealth intact for centuries.
Advani, in Kerala as part of his yatra, said it was all the more significant that the royal family preserved the treasures at a time when the country was concerned with the issue of corruption.
On suggestion from certain quarters that part of the wealth should be utilised for public welfare, Advani said, "Tradition of the state and the temple should be maintained in the matter."
The royal family had shown great responsibility, honesty and uprightness in looking after such a huge wealth, estimated to be worth Rs one lakh crore, he said.
"The royal family must be complimented and praised", he added.
An inventory by a Supreme Court appointed panel a few months ago had found huge treasures in the vaults of the temple, managed by a trust under control of the Travancore royal family, erstwhile rulers of south Kerala.