Sabarimala: Cracks in Sculpture Panels, Exposed Nickel Before 2025 Gold-Plating? SIT Investigates
Pathanamthitta: Authorities have launched an investigation into whether the reasons cited for sending the Dwarapalaka (door guardian) sculpture panels of the Sabarimala Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) to Chennai for gold plating last year were genuine and justified.
According to official reports prepared at the time, the panels and their supporting pedestal had developed cracks, while nickel coating had become visible through worn sections of the gold-plated surface. Based on these findings, the Travancore Devaswom Board decided on September 2, 2025, to remove and renovate the panels. The sculpture panels were dismantled and sent for refurbishment on September 7.
The operation, which had been carried out discreetly, came to light after Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan informed the Kerala High Court about the matter.
Findings in the Then Thiruvabharanam Commissioner’s Report
The report highlighted several areas of concern:
> A copper sheet attached near the frame of the right-side Dwarapalaka sculpture had developed a crack measuring approximately one and a half inches.
> Suspected cracks were observed on the inner portion of the leg section of the same sculpture panel. Stains visible on the gold-plated surface required the panel to be dismantled for detailed examination.
> The left-side sculpture panel reportedly had cracks measuring two inches on the left section and half an inch below the elbow area.
> Gold plating on the supporting pedestal had worn away, exposing the nickel coating beneath. In one section, the gold-plated layer had peeled off over a length of about one centimetre.
> The ornamental arch plate (Prabhamandalam) above the doorway, featuring an engraving of Goddess Lakshmi, was found covered in soot and discoloration.
> Several brass fittings fixed to the sanctum structure were reported missing.
Additional Restoration Work Proposed
The report also stated that Unnikrishnan Potti had undertaken to carry out repair works on the sanctum and doorway while the Dwarapalaka panels were away in Chennai at Smart Creations for gold plating.
According to the undertaking, once the panels were returned to Sannidhanam, he would repair, at his own expense, damages to the sanctum door, doorway frame, Lakshmi engraving, and ornamental arch. The costs associated with rituals, purification ceremonies, and other religious procedures prescribed by the Tantri were also to be borne by him.
However, by the time the refurbished Dwarapalaka panels were brought back to Sannidhanam, the controversy surrounding the 2019 Sabarimala gold theft case had intensified significantly. As a result, the commitments reportedly undertaken by Potti were never carried out.