Kerala HC probes if unauthorized idols, Donation boxes are at Sabarimala
The Kerala High Court has initiated a probe into allegations that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) granted permission to a private individual to install an idol of Lord Ayyappa at the revered Sabarimala temple. The court’s action follows concerns over potential violations of temple traditions and unauthorized fundraising activities linked to the installation.
During a hearing in a suo motu case, a Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. directed the Chief Police Coordinator of Sabarimala to submit a detailed report on the alleged distribution of pamphlets soliciting funds for the idol’s installation. Additionally, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner was instructed to investigate whether idols or cash-donation boxes were illegally placed at the temple’s Sannidhanam premises and to provide a report on the matter.
The controversy stems from a report by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, which revealed that the TDB had allegedly permitted the chairperson of a multi-specialty hospital in Erode to install a two-foot-high panchaloham (an alloy of five precious metals) idol of Lord Ayyappa, weighing 108 kg and valued at ₹9 lakh, at the temple. The report emphasized that this permission was granted without disrupting the temple’s structure or rituals. However, the Sabarimala Tantri, the temple’s chief priest, informed the Commissioner that he was unaware of any such plan, stating that the installation would violate established temple rituals.
Further raising concerns, the report highlighted a fundraising campaign tied to the alleged TDB permission. Pamphlets containing a bank account number, QR code, and mobile numbers were distributed, creating the impression that the individual was authorized by the TDB and the State government to collect funds for the idol’s installation.
The state government’s counsel informed the court that the police have already launched an investigation into the matter. Steps have also been taken to inform pilgrims about the issue through the temple’s virtual queue platform to prevent misinformation.