Unusual black marks and discolouration found on Sabarimala temple's gold-plated roof; inspection conducted
Sabarimala: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Tuesday conducted an inspection of the gold-plated roof of the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy temple's sanctum sanctorum after black patches and discolouration were noticed on certain portions of the sacred structure.
The inspection was carried out in the presence of Devaswom Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Rejilal, following directions from Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan. Senior officials examined the affected sections of the gold-clad Sreekovil roof amid concerns that a chemical substance might have been poured over it.
However, preliminary assessments have ruled out any deliberate attempt to damage the roof using chemicals. Officials indicated that the substance flowing over the roof was most likely ghee used in ritual offerings.
According to initial findings, some devotees at the Sannidhanam reportedly pour ghee used for abhishekam onto the roof. It is believed that dirt and dust mixed with the ghee may have caused the black patches and discolouration observed on the gold-plated surface.
A TDB official sought to dispel concerns over possible vandalism.
"An inspection has confirmed that it was not any chemical substance. Further examinations are under way," the official said.
Authorities stated that further inquiries are being conducted to ascertain the exact circumstances under which the liquid came into contact with the gold covering. The issue is being treated with utmost seriousness considering the religious significance of the gold-plated Sreekovil in the Sabarimala pilgrimage tradition.
The latest development comes close on the heels of inspections conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case. On June 15, the SIT examined the wooden door panels of the sanctum sanctorum and the Prabhamandalam plates as part of its ongoing investigation. The roof inspection was undertaken subsequently after the black patches came to light.
Officials pointed out that cleaning or polishing work on the sanctum roof cannot be initiated immediately. In accordance with long-standing temple customs, any alteration, maintenance work or repair associated with the sanctum requires obtaining the deity's permission through prescribed rituals.
With the SIT having completed its examination of sanctum-related structures, sources indicated that the Travancore Devaswom Board may proceed with cleaning the roof after securing the necessary ritual sanction.
The Sabarimala temple is currently open for the monthly puja and is scheduled to close on June 19, 2026. While the preliminary findings have eased fears of intentional damage, the incident has attracted considerable attention among devotees due to the temple's spiritual importance and the ongoing investigation into the alleged gold theft case.
Further examinations are expected to provide greater clarity on the circumstances surrounding the appearance of the black patches on the sanctum roof.