The group of astrologers who conducted an astrological examination or 'devaprasnam' at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram has concluded that family members of those who open its yet untouched vault B would die, said an expert on Thursday. They also warned against videography of the treasure discovered so far. Speaking to reporters late night after the conclusion of the four-day 'devaprasnam', chief priest K. Padmanabha Sharma said that no videography of the temple's unearthed treasure trove should take place.

The ritual 'devaprasnam' reportedly found that taking the treasure, which is located inside the vault of the temple, out of the temple complex would affect the sanctity of the shrine. It also cautioned against opening the yet to be examined vault called 'Vault B', as it is located below the sanctum sanctorum. "Opening the secret vault will weaken the sanctum sanctorum and will invite the deity's anger," said Padmanabha Sharma. The ritual also pointed out that the treasure faces threat of theft and needs more security.

The temple, among the richest in the world, has six vaults. Five of these were opened on the orders of the Supreme Court and a treasure trove estimated to be more than Rs.1 lakh crore was discovered. Vault B was not touched by a committee that was appointed by the court for stock taking of the temple's treasures last month. The astrological examination that began at the temple on Monday involved discussions among the members of the team headed by Mathur Narayanan Renga Bhatt, an expert in conducting rituals.
The discussions concluded that it would be best that vault B was left unopened. The experts concluded that if anyone opened the vault, one of his family members may die either due to a snake bite or consumption of poison.

The findings of the 'Devaprasnam' come at a time when a five-member committee appointed by the supreme court has begun its work, that is to decide on the security, inventory and preservation of the articles inside the underground vaults. "We had divided the security plan into two, one which has to be implemented immediately and the permanent set up. The immediate security system will be put in place in two weeks and the other one will be completed by December," said Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.