Sabarimala Gold Controversy: Sponsor Allegedly Wanted to Use Temple Gold for Wedding

Thiruvananthapuram, October 7, 2025 A controversy has emerged around the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple after it was revealed that the temple’s gold-plating sponsor, Unnikrishnan Potty, had sought permission to use leftover gold for a wedding. Court findings showed that Potty wrote to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on December 9, 2019, stating that after completing the gold work on the temple’s main door and the dwarapalakar statues, he had some gold remaining. He requested guidance from the TDB to use it for supporting a girl’s marriage in coordination with the board. Potty, who funded the gold-plating project himself, had received approval from the TDB to cover the temple’s idols and valuables at his expense. The items, weighing 42.8 kilograms, were handed over to his company, Smart Creations, in Chennai. However, when the gold-coated copper plates were returned to the temple, their weight had mysteriously dropped to 38.258 kilograms, raising suspicions about potential mismanagement or misuse of the temple’s assets. Despite this discrepancy, TDB entrusted Potty with another gold-plating project this year. The issue gained wider attention after the Kerala High Court ordered the immediate return of the panels removed from the temple for repair. The court censured the TDB for violating the Devaswom manual and failing to inform the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner. According to the High Court, the actions of the Devaswom officials, in collaboration with Potty, reflected a concerning disregard for the sanctity of temple property and the trust of devotees. In response, the court directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into alleged irregularities concerning the reduced weight of the gold-plated copper panels. The investigation will be led by former Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan and overseen by Crime Branch chief Additional Director General of Police H. Venkatesh. The SIT will include three inspectors and cyber experts to ensure a thorough examination of the case. The controversy has sparked political reactions and public concern. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor demanded accountability from the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, calling the incident a serious matter. He expressed suspicions about systematic mismanagement, noting that the alleged siphoning of gold has raised questions about oversight in the state. Tharoor emphasized that the public expects transparency and accountability in handling temple resources. The case highlights growing concerns over the management of temple property and the responsibility of authorities and sponsors in safeguarding religious and cultural assets. As the SIT begins its inquiry, all eyes are on the investigation to uncover whether any wrongdoing occurred and to ensure that temple gold is properly accounted for. Devotees and the public await clear answers about the handling of the Sabarimala temple’s valuables, reflecting the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in managing sacred sites. The investigation and court-monitored inquiry aim to provide clarity on the missing gold and prevent future irregularities, reinforcing the accountability of both temple authorities and private sponsors in such sensitive projects. Sabarimala Gold Controversy: Sponsor Wanted to Use Leftover Gold for Wedding A controversy has surfaced at Sabarimala temple after sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty allegedly sought permission to use leftover gold from a temple project for a wedding. Court records revealed he wrote to the Travancore Devaswom Board in 2019 requesting guidance to use excess gold for supporting a girl’s marriage. Potty had previously funded the gold-plating of temple idols, but the returned items weighed less than originally handed over. The Kerala High Court has ordered their return and formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter. Politicians and devotees have demanded accountability and transparency in managing temple assets.