The Sabarimala temple in Kerala is facing a major controversy over allegations of misappropriation and tampering of gold used in the temple’s Dwarapalaka idols. These idols, which stand outside the sanctum sanctorum, are adorned with gold-plated copper sheets. The issue first came to light after the Travancore Devaswom Board removed the gold panels for restoration in 2019. They were reportedly handed over to a sponsor, Unnikrishnan Potti, for the work. The controversy has since escalated with fresh details suggesting that Potti intended to use leftover gold for a wedding and that some of the original gold may have been sold, with the proceeds misused.
According to documents submitted by the Devaswom Board’s Vigilance Department, there is a “clear and serious possibility” that the gold-plated Dwarapalaka idols’ original coverings were sold illegally. The Kerala High Court noted that Potti had sponsored the gold plating in 2019 and expressed a desire to use leftover gold as a wedding gift for a poor girl, with the Board’s permission. An email dated December 9, 2019, from Potti to the Devaswom Board chairman confirmed this intention. Earlier, after completing the polishing work, Potti had returned the gold coverings. However, in March 2020, temple officials noticed that the gold’s polish had faded significantly within just six months, raising further suspicions.
Political reactions have added fuel to the controversy. The United Democratic Front (UDF), a Congress-led opposition alliance, intensified protests in the Kerala Assembly, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan over alleged irregularities. Opposition members disrupted proceedings for the second consecutive day, waving placards and raising slogans. VD Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the government of shielding those involved and demanded accountability, intensifying public scrutiny on the temple and its administration.
On Monday, the Kerala High Court directed a detailed investigation into alleged irregularities in the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the supervision of additional DGP H Venkatesh, with S Shashidharan IPS, Assistant Director (Administration) at KEPA, Thrissur, leading the inquiry. The SIT has been given six weeks to complete the investigation under the ADGP’s oversight. The court aims to uncover whether gold tampering, misappropriation, or misuse occurred during the restoration process and determine the roles of those involved.
The controversy centers on the gold-plated copper sheets that were first removed in 2019. Reports indicate that the panels were returned 39 days later with a recorded weight of 38.258 kg, showing a shortfall of 4.541 kg. In September 2025, the panels were again removed due to continued deterioration. During the ongoing investigation, two pedestals were recovered on September 28 from Potti’s sister’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram, raising further questions about the sponsor’s involvement.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has denied any allegations of gold theft. According to the board, the panels were never handed over to Potti, and official records (mahazar) indicate that the 14 gold-plated panels weighed 38 kg and contained 397 grams of gold. Two panels remained at Sabarimala, while the remaining 12—containing 22 kg of copper and 281 grams of gold—were sent for repair. The board explained that during restoration at Smart Creations in Chennai, 10 grams of gold were added for re-plating, increasing the total gold content from 397 grams to 407 grams.
Regarding Potti’s involvement, the board stated that both Smart Creations and Potti had offered a 40-year warranty for the restoration work in 2019. Since the warranty was registered in the sponsor’s name, he was approached again for the 2025 repairs. The board dismissed all claims of gold theft as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that the panels were always returned after proper restoration.
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The Sabarimala controversy highlights multiple issues. While gold misappropriation remains under investigation, questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of sponsors in temple restoration projects continue to dominate public discourse. The case also reflects how religious and cultural institutions can become entangled in political disputes, with each side presenting conflicting narratives.
The High Court’s decision to form a special investigation team shows the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. The SIT’s probe will determine whether there was any wrongdoing and provide clarity on the discrepancies observed in the gold panels’ weight and condition. Meanwhile, the political pressure in Kerala continues to rise, with opposition parties demanding swift action and transparency.
As the investigation progresses, the Sabarimala gold plating row remains a sensitive issue for both devotees and the public. While the Travancore Devaswom Board maintains that proper procedures were followed, the revelations about Potti’s intentions and the discrepancies in gold weight have created widespread concern. The coming weeks will be crucial in establishing accountability and resolving doubts surrounding one of Kerala’s most revered temples.
In conclusion, the Sabarimala temple gold controversy is a complex mix of religious significance, administrative oversight, and political scrutiny. With the High Court-ordered SIT probe underway, stakeholders hope for a fair and transparent investigation that addresses public concerns, clarifies facts, and preserves the temple’s sanctity. The case serves as a reminder of the need for strong governance, accountability, and ethical handling of temple resources.
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