4.5 kg gold missing from Sabarimala temple, Kerala HC orders probe

Sabarimala temple

The Kerala High Court has ordered a vigilance probe into the alleged disappearance of approximately 4.541 kg of gold from the Sabarimala temple's Dwarapalaka idols after their gold plating was done in 2019, questioning Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, and raising concerns over temple management.

The gold-clad copper plates, weighing 42.8 kg before the regilding process, were sent to a Chennai firm for repair work but, as per reports, weighed only 38.258 kg upon their return, sparking concerns about mismanagement at the hands of the board (TDB).

According to a report by News18, taking serious note of the development, the Kerala High Court observed that such a discrepancy was inexplicable. “If it were petrol, the weight loss would be understandable, but since it was gold, how could it have lost weight?" the bench remarked, questioning the temple administration over the missing metal.

Devaswom Vigilance told to file report within 3 weeks

Stressing that the faith and transparency associated with temple property must never be compromised, the high court directed the Devaswom Vigilance to launch an investigation and submit a report within three weeks.

Meanwhile, TDB has been instructed to extend full cooperation. In its order, the court further directed officials to inspect other gold-plated items, including the Dwarapalaka statues and associated structures, and directed that they be stored securely in the temple’s strong room.

As per the report, this is not the first time that the temple’s gold plating project has come under scrutiny. Questions have previously been raised over the cost, transparency, and execution of the initiative. The latest revelation, however, has raised fresh doubts over accountability in managing temple wealth.

‘Offerings are for divine service, not negligence’: Devotees

Following the controversy, devotees have expressed deep anguish, many pointing out that offerings in the form of gold and money are given with the belief that they will be used for divine service and pilgrim welfare, not lost to negligence or mismanagement.