Sabarimala Gold Scandal: Conspiracy Alleged in Devaswom Board
Pathanamthitta: There are growing suspicions that a conspiracy took place within the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding the disappearance of gold plating from the Dwarapalaka (door guardian) sculptures at the Sabarimala temple. The police intelligence wing has indicated the possibility of such foul play.
In 2019, when renovation work was carried out, sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti claimed he had received copper sheets—not gold-plated ones—for restoration. Surprisingly, even the then Devaswom Board officials have not challenged his statement.
The Gold Plating History
In 1998, industrialist Vijay Mallya donated gold plating for the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, which also included the Dwarapalaka sculptures. Photographs and videos published in newspapers and television channels until 2019 clearly showed the golden shine of these sculptures.
Recently, an expert who was part of Vijay Mallya’s original gold-plating project revealed that nearly five kilograms of gold were used to cover the two Dwarapalaka (door guardian) idols at the Sabarimala temple. According to the expert, it is “impossible for such a large quantity of gold to simply disappear within two decades.” The statement has intensified suspicions surrounding the alleged removal or replacement of the gold plating and strengthened calls for a detailed investigation.
High Court Order as Key Evidence
A Kerala High Court order dated September 15, 2025, by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar, refers to documents submitted by the Devaswom Board confirming that the sculptures were gold-plated in 1998. However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the dates—while the High Court mentions 1999, records show that Vijay Mallya’s gold plating was handed over to the Board on September 4, 1998.
Former Chief Engineer’s Statement
According to Ravikumar, the former Chief Engineer of the Travancore Devaswom Board (1997–2013), the sculptures were indeed covered with gold foil, not copper. Thin layers of gold were laminated over the figures—seven such layers were installed across the temple. Records of this work are said to exist both at the Sabarimala Devaswom Office and the Pathanamthitta Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
He also confirmed that until his retirement in 2013, there were no reports of any issues or changes with the gold plating.
The Sponsor’s Claim
However, Unnikrishnan Potti, the sponsor who undertook the 2019 renovation, maintains that the sheets he received were made of copper. He cites the official documents and records from the Devaswom Board that described them as “copper sheets.”
Lack of Police Action
Despite the controversy, the police have not registered a formal case yet. Following a High Court directive, the Devaswom Vigilance Department is currently investigating the matter. Legal experts suggest that the incident could fall under the category of theft or misappropriation of temple property.
CCTV Footage May Hold Clues
Although there is no video evidence of the gold sheets being removed in 2019, around 15 CCTV cameras are installed at the temple premises. The feed from these cameras is available to the DGP and the District Collector. If older footage can be retrieved, it may serve as strong evidence in the investigation.
Devaswom Board Leadership Over the Years
1998: V.G.K. Menon (President), Kaviad Divakara Panicker, M.V.G. Namboothiri (Members)
2019: A. Padmakumar (President), K. Raghavan, K.P. Shankaradas (Members)
2025: P.S. Prasanth (President), A. Ajikumar, P.D. Santhosh Kumar (Members)
The Dwarapalakas were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty on July 10, 2019, during the tenure of hereditary chief priest (Thantri) Kandararu Rajeevararu.