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Travancore Devaswom Board Rejects Audit Allegations for Ayyappa Sangamam

The Travancore Devaswom Board has issued a strong rebuttal against media reports concerning an audit of the 2025 Global Ayyappa Sangamam, labeling the allegations as baseless. It clarified that specific claims, like a ₹1 lakh expenditure for a chief minister's cot, are entirely false and that all major expenditures had legitimate purposes. The Board explained clerical errors in the audit document and confirmed that large sponsorship sums have been returned to its General Fund. A final review of all invoices is scheduled for a board meeting later this month to ensure full transparency.

Key Points: TDB Clarifies Audit Claims for Global Ayyappa Sangamam 2025

  • Dismisses ₹1 lakh cot claim as false
  • Clarifies ₹8 lakh cultural program payment
  • Confirms ₹3 crore sponsorship returned
  • Defends food expenses for pilgrims
  • Sets final review meeting for Feb 2026
2 min read

Travancore Devaswom Board addresses audit allegations of Global Ayyappa Sangamam 2025

Travancore Devaswom Board dismisses media reports on event audit as baseless, clarifies expenses, and announces final review for transparency.

"baseless and painful - Travancore Devaswom Board"

Kochi, February 14

The Travancore Devaswom Board has issued a comprehensive clarification dismissing as "baseless and painful" media reports regarding the audit of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam held in September 2025. The Board clarified that the alleged ₹1 lakh expenditure on a specific cot for the Chief Minister is entirely false.

The reported amount of ₹3,83,439 was actually an estimate for general furniture and miscellaneous upgrades at the Pamba Guest House, which serves various high-profile dignitaries, including Union Ministers and Judges. All such purchases remain the permanent property of the Devaswom Board.

Regarding the controversy over cultural programs, the board explained that while Nandagovindam Bhajans was initially considered, the actual performance was led by musician Ishaan Dev and a 35-member team. The ₹8 lakh payment covered their five-day stay, rehearsals, and technical costs, and the mention of the wrong troupe name in the audit was a clerical error by the Event Management Agency during a rushed filing. Furthermore, the Board confirmed that ₹3 crore in sponsorship from Dhanalakshmi Bank and Kerala Bank has already been credited back to the General Fund, debunking claims of financial mismanagement. The Board also defended the food expenses, noting that in the spirit of Annadana, meals were provided to all pilgrims and labourers at Pamba, exceeding original estimates.

A final review of all invoices will be conducted in a Board meeting on February 17, 2026, to ensure absolute transparency and rectify any remaining procedural inconsistencies.

A few days back, the Devaswom Bench of the Kerala High Court, led by Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, granted the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) a final 10-day deadline to explain alleged financial discrepancies revealed in an audit report concerning the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

Meanwhile, the global Ayyappa gathering was organised in accordance with the rituals and traditions, with participation from ministers from Karnataka and Telangana, Union ministers from Kerala, the opposition leader, and others. Around 3,000 delegates from various countries participated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I appreciate the clarification, the fact that the High Court had to set a deadline is concerning. Clerical errors in naming a cultural troupe for an 8 lakh payment? That's a significant amount. The final review meeting is a must. Transparency is key when public trust and temple funds are involved.
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Rohit P
The media should be more responsible before publishing such reports. Spreading baseless allegations about a cot for the CM hurts the sentiments of devotees. The event brought together thousands from across the globe for Lord Ayyappa. That's the real story! #AyyappaSwamy
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Andrew M
Interesting to see the scale of this event. 3000 international delegates is impressive. The financial details seem complex, but it's positive that sponsorship money has been returned to the fund. Good governance requires this level of scrutiny, even for religious bodies.
K
Kavya N
The explanation about the furniture makes sense. The Pamba Guest House hosts important guests and needs proper upkeep. As long as the assets remain with the Board, it's an investment. Hope the Feb 17 meeting clears everything up for good. Sabarimala's administration must be above doubt.
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Vikram M
The participation of ministers from different states and parties for a spiritual event is heartening. Beyond the audit, this shows unity. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa! Let's not let financial procedural issues overshadow the devotional success of the Sangamam.

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