Did TDB and the Tantri Attempt to Erase Original Inscriptions and Arts on Ponnambalamedu? Ayyappan Rejected Temple Construction in the 2018 Devaprasna, Citing Malicious Intent by TDB
In 2017, the Travancore Devaswom Board, under the presidency of Prayar Gopalakrishnan, proposed the construction of a temple at Ponnambalamedu, a restricted and ecologically sensitive site in the Western Ghats.
The same year, Prayar Gopalakrishnan was serving as the Devaswom Board president when the temple flagpole was replaced. This replacement is now also under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
However, in the 2018 Devaprasnam, Lord Ayyappan categorically rejected the construction of a temple at Ponnambalamedu. The Devaprasnam stated that the proposal was driven by malicious intent as per sources. It also reaffirmed that Ponnambalamedu is considered the Moolasthanam (original sacred seat) of Bhagwan Ayyappa. The site is believed to bear sacred symbols and inscriptions, including the Lakshmi–Narayana Chakra of Maha Vishnu, the Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Ayyappan seated on the Simhasanam, and artistic representations of Krishna and Arjuna from the Mahabharata.
Constructing any structure on a sacred site means destroying the inscriptions and rock art of that sacred place.
Sabarimala Ayyappa Yuva Seva Samithi - Sabarimala Uptodate Team has submitted a detailed representation—along with our book “ARAYAN: The Avatar of Sree Maha Vishnu - Sabarimala Ayyappan” to, The Hon’ble President of India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Hon’ble Home Minister, the Hon’ble Minister of Culture, and the Hon’ble Governor of Kerala.
The submission urges the protection of the sanctity of Ponnambalamedu and the preservation of the sacred Sree Rama Padam at Pamba Triveni.
It also elaborates on the spiritual and historical significance of Ponnambalamedu, its rock arts, the Lakshmi–Narayana Chakra, and highlights concerns regarding foreign interventions affecting this sacred heritage site.
SIT INVESTIGATION
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has concluded that the Devaprasnam was used as a cover for the Sabarimala gold theft. It is believed that the Devaprasnam conducted in 2018 was staged for this purpose. The SIT has decided to record the statements of around ten astrologers. The Devaprasnam was held after the elephant ran amok during the Arattu festival.
Although the Devaprasnam occurred naturally, it was later allegedly misused as a cover, sources said. It was also found that there was a demand to construct a temple at Ponnambalamedu. Further investigation will be carried out to determine whose demand this was. Statements will be recorded from all officials and staff who were present at the time.