NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Kerala High Court has ordered a detailed investigation into missing gold from Sabarimala temple's sanctum plating project. Judges expressed shock that 4kg of gold disappeared from plates that weighed 42kg when sent for work in 2019. The court questioned why nobody verified the weight before reinstalling the precious metal in the sacred space. This development raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in managing one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.

Key Points: Kerala HC Orders Sabarimala Gold Plating Probe After 4kg Discrepancy

  • Court notes 42kg gold plates returned with 4kg shortage after 2019 plating work
  • Directs Devaswom Vigilance to complete investigation within three weeks
  • Questions why weight wasn't verified before reinstalling sanctum plates
  • Orders verification of Dwarapalaka sculptures security in strong room
2 min read

Kerala HC orders probe into Sabarimala gold plating work after noting discrepancies

Kerala High Court orders probe into 4kg gold shortage in Sabarimala sanctum plates, calling it "strange and worrying" and demanding temple management accountability.

"When the plates were brought back and reinstalled at the Sannidhanam, why was the weight not checked again? If it were petrol, one could expect a reduction. But isn’t this gold? - Kerala High Court"

Kochi, Sep 17

The Kerala High Court has raised serious concerns over discrepancies in the weight of gold plates used in the sanctum (Sannidhanam) of the Sabarimala temple and ordered a detailed probe into what it termed a “strange and worrying” matter.

During a hearing on Wednesday, the court questioned how the plates, which weighed 42 kg when taken in 2019 for gold plating work, showed a shortage of four kg on being returned.

Referring to official mahazar records, the bench noted that the discrepancy had been documented even during the one-and-a-half months the plates were kept in custody in 2019. Expressing dismay over the lapse, the court remarked:

“When the plates were brought back and reinstalled at the Sannidhanam, why was the weight not checked again? If it were petrol, one could expect a reduction. But isn’t this gold?”

The High Court directed the Devaswom Vigilance to carry out a thorough investigation and submit a report within three weeks, while instructing the Travancore Devaswom Board to cooperate fully with the probe. It also ordered verification of whether the pedestals of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and spare structures are secured in the strong room.

“The sanctity and trust associated with temple management cannot be compromised. Transparency and accountability are paramount,” the court observed.

The Sabarimala gold plating project, undertaken to preserve and embellish the sanctum, has already faced scrutiny over its cost and implementation.

The latest revelations have raised further questions about monitoring mechanisms for safeguarding temple wealth.

Located in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, the hill shrine of Sabarimala, perched at 3,000 feet in the Western Ghats, is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.

It attracts millions of devotees annually, with tradition requiring a 41-day penance before a barefoot ascent from the banks of the Pampa River. Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu’s incarnation). The legend says Ayyappa meditated here after defeating the demoness 'Mahishi'.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a regular devotee, this breaks my heart. Sabarimala is not just a temple but the embodiment of our faith. The court is right - transparency in temple management is non-negotiable. Hope the investigation brings the truth to light.
M
Michael C
While the missing gold is concerning, let's not jump to conclusions. There could be legitimate reasons - measurement errors, wear during plating process. The investigation should be fair and thorough before blaming anyone.
S
Suresh O
This is why we need better auditing systems in all major temples across India. Our religious institutions handle massive amounts of wealth and donations - they should have corporate-level transparency and accountability.
A
Ananya R
The court's question says it all - "If it were petrol, one could expect reduction. But isn't this gold?" Such a straightforward observation that exposes the negligence. Hope the vigilance department does its job properly. 🙏
K
Karthik V
As someone from Kerala, I'm disappointed but not surprised. Temple management politics has been problematic for years. This investigation should be just the beginning of broader reforms in how our religious institutions are managed.

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