Gold-Plated Sheets on Sabarimala Dwarapalaka Idols Removed Without Court Permission, Says Report
The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple became the center of a fresh controversy, with the Special Commissioner informing the Kerala High Court that the gold-plated sheets on the Dwarapalaka idols at the temple entrance had been removed without the court’s approval.
In his report to the court, Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan pointed out that such work was normally carried out inside the temple premises and only after obtaining explicit permission from the court.
“The court was not informed of the nature of the work undertaken. Strict directives may therefore be issued to the Travancore Devaswom Board not to conduct any major maintenance at the Sannidhanam or Malikappuram without prior approval,” the report stated.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, however, clarified that the gold-plated copper sheets fixed on the dwarapalaka Idols at the temple entrance were transported to a Chennai-based facility for restoration with the approval of the temple Tantri and the board.
It added that the transfer was carried out in a secure vehicle under the supervision of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, Sabarimala Administrative Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, temple smith, and Vigilance officials.
“Since 2023, Tantric directives have called for the restoration of the Dwarapalaka sculptures, the Sopanam steps, and the temple doors. Additional instructions were later issued to repair cracks and fading on the sculptures. Accordingly, the sheets were removed after the Onam pujas, with the necessary Tantric approval and the deity’s consent, and were sent for repair at the sponsor’s expense. They will be reinstalled after purification rituals on the third day of Kanni month,” said TDB president P.S. Prasanth.
He alleged that the controversy was being fuelled by vested interests. “It is believed that these reports are part of a coordinated attempt from certain quarters to discredit the Global Ayyappa Sangamam being organised by the TDB,” he added
Critics argue that the board’s failure to inform the High Court reflects negligence and a lack of transparency.