Kochu Kadutha Swami: Malamel Family Revives Mystery of the Missing Golden Idol
A new claim by the Malamel family has revived a decades-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of a priceless golden idol of Kochu Kadutha Swami, a figure linked to the early worship traditions of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.
The Malamel family, traditionally responsible for the rituals of Kochu Kadutha Swami, says the idol remained in their lawful custody for generations. The idol, known for its fine craftsmanship and ritual importance, was brought out annually for special ceremonies.
According to the family, this long-held tradition continued until 1973, when a conflict arose between them and officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) over ritual rights. During this dispute, the family alleges that some officials took the idol from their custody, assuring them it would be placed in a secure strongroom.
The family claims that the handover was made under pressure and without any formal documentation, which they now say should have been a warning sign. Later, when they sought confirmation of the idol’s location, they were reportedly told that the idol was not found in the strongroom.
The family says that despite repeated attempts over the years, they received no clear answers. No police complaint, audit, or internal inquiry was carried out regarding the missing idol. Former officials from the period either deny knowledge of the idol or say no official record of its transfer exists.
Possibility of Smuggling
The Malamel family now believes the idol may have been smuggled out of India in the 1970s, a time when many South Indian temple artifacts were illegally taken abroad. They point to rumours among collectors and the total lack of documentation as signs that the idol may have entered the international antiquities market.
While there is no concrete proof, the family argues that the pattern matches the methods used by international smuggling networks active during that time.
Concerns Over Heritage Protection
The family has also raised broader concerns about the gradual sidelining of traditional custodians, including their own lineage and the Malai arayan hill community—both historically connected to Sabarimala’s earliest rituals.
The incident also highlights a serious gap in temple administration, as a culturally significant idol appears to have vanished without any formal investigation or accountability.
Growing Calls for Investigation
With increasing public attention on illegal idol smuggling, the new revelation is drawing interest from historians, activists, and devotees. Many are demanding an independent probe to uncover what happened and to determine whether the idol can still be traced.
As the mystery re-enters public debate, the disappearance of the Kochu Kadutha Swami golden idol remains an unresolved chapter in Sabarimala’s heritage—one that has lingered without answers for nearly 50 years.