Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court has ordered a thorough investigation into the mysterious disappearance of gold from the ‘Dwarapalaka’ idols at the Sabarimala temple. The court directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to submit a detailed report within three weeks, questioning how the gold plating could have reduced so significantly.
The High Court also insisted that an inspection be conducted to verify whether the golden pillars of the idols are still safe in the temple’s strong room. The High Court has directed the Devaswom Board to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Gold plating was applied in 1999
It should be noted that the gold plating on the ‘Dwarapalaka’ idols was originally done in 1999. In 2019, at the request of sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti, a Chennai-based firm, Smart Creations, was sent to re-plat the idols. While the idols were in the firm’s custody, the gold plating had lost weight.
“Court records reveal a clear discrepancy.”
The gold plates weighed 42,800 kilograms before being sent for maintenance, but only 38,258 kilograms upon return. Observing this significant loss, the court sarcastically remarked, “It’s not petrol that loses weight.” This discrepancy first came to light when the Devaswom’s Chief Security Officer presented details of the temple’s assets to the court.
The court also questioned why the weight was not verified when the idols were returned to Sabarimala. Based on these details, the High Court issued an interim order to investigate the whereabouts of the missing gold and pedestals.
Where are the pedestals?
Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti revealed that he had also commissioned new golden pedestals made from three gold coins for the Dwarapalaka idols, manufactured by the same Chennai firm. These new pedestals were to replace the old ones, which had faded. Potti explained that a group of devotees had brought these pedestals to the temple during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Devaswom officials informed him that the pedestals did not fit the idols. Potti said he did not know what happened to them afterwards. He further stated that it was unclear whether they were kept in the strong room or returned to the devotees. Potti assumed that the pedestals would be with the idols when they were taken for repair.
The court also directed the Vigilance Department to review the relevant documents and submit a report on the missing pedestals.
Timeline of the Gold-Plating Controversy
The decision to send the gold-plated copper plates of the Sabarimala Dwarapalaka idols to Chennai for maintenance on November 16, 2023, sparked a major controversy. Critics argued that the move violated temple customs and security protocols. Allegations that the plates were sent without the permission of the Devaswom Vigilance Department further fueled the controversy.
November 16, 2023: The gold-plated copper plates were sent to Chennai for maintenance.
November 17, 2023: The move became public, sparking controversy.
November 18, 2023: The Travancore Devaswom Board announced an investigation.
Late November 2023: The High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter and sought a report from the Board.
January 2024: The Board submitted a report to the High Court, admitting its lapses.
January 25, 2024: The copper plates were returned to Sabarimala from Chennai.
February 2024: Based on the investigation report, the executive officer was suspended. Action was also recommended against other officials. Following the incident, the Devaswom Board issued new guidelines to ensure greater transparency in the management of temple properties.
Devaswom Board Investigation
Following the growing controversy, the Travancore Devaswom Board, led by Chairman P.S. Prashanth, initiated an investigation. The Devaswom Vigilance Officer and the Sabarimala Executive Officer were tasked with submitting a detailed report. The investigation found that the idols were moved without proper documentation.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the Chennai-based firm, Mahalakshmi Metals, only had the authority to refurbish the copper plates, not to re-gold them. It was suspected that the firm had contracted the gilding work to another company. The investigation also confirmed that neither the Devaswom Board President nor the Secretary had granted official permission for the work.
Disciplinary Action
Based on the investigation report, the Devaswom Board took strict action. The Sabarimala Executive Officer was suspended for the shortcomings found. The firm was also strictly instructed to return the idols immediately. As a result, the idols were brought back to Sabarimala from Chennai on January 25, 2024.
Court Intervention and Criticism
Concerned about the safety of temple property after the news surfaced, the High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter without any public interest litigation and began hearing the case. The court sought clarification from the Devaswom Board and directed it to submit all relevant documents, details of the authorities who granted the permission, and the contract amount.
The court strongly criticized the Devaswom Board for its lack of vigilance in managing temple properties, stating, “These are no ordinary objects; these are sacred temple idols.” The court directed the board to formulate clear guidelines for the management of temple properties and ensure strict monitoring by the Devaswom Vigilance to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
