Crucial Revelation in Sabarimala Gold-Plating Controversy by Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti
Thiruvananthapuram: In the Sabarimala gold-plating controversy, sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti came out with a crucial revelation. He responded to the media that a separate pedestal had also been constructed and provided for the Dwarapalaka idols.
“A second pedestal had been made for the idols. About three sovereigns of gold were used to prepare it. When the original pedestals lost their shine, a new one was constructed. But the Devaswom informed that there was a difference in measurement. Since it was given as an offering, I did not ask for it back. I believed the pedestal would be in the strong room. But now there is no clarity on where it is. When the coverings were taken for repair, I inquired about the pedestal. There was no reply. Let Vigilance conduct an investigation,” he said.
The High Court had earlier directed that the gold-plated coverings removed from the Dwarapalaka idols in front of the Sabarimala sanctum and taken to Chennai for repair be brought back immediately. The Court had made it clear that the action of the Devaswom Board without the prior approval of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner and the High Court was improper. The order was issued by a division bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar.
The Court had also directed Smart Creations in Chennai, which was undertaking the repairs, and sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti to stop the work. It was observed that the move amounted to a violation of an earlier order concerning the repair of ornaments including the mudramala, japamala and yogadanda of the Ayyappa idol. Notices were issued to the Travancore Devaswom Commissioner, the Sabarimala Executive Officer, and the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner to explain if there was any reason for not taking action. The Court also directed them to produce the files and records relating to the decision to send the gold sheets for repair. However, the High Court permitted the continuation of the repairs recently.
Meanwhile, Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth had said yesterday that there was fear of setbacks in anything done at Sabarimala, both in daily and tantric matters. “Even devotees are afraid. There are obstacles in Sabarimala which are not present in any other temple,” he said, adding that he would not name those responsible. His reaction came amid the Court’s intervention in the gold-plating repair issue.
information as media reports