What happened to the missing Sabarimala gold sheets?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan has called for a probe into the alarming disappearance of gold sheets at Sabarimala temple. This raises pressing questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of temple assets. What secrets lie beneath this mystery?
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of mismanagement at Sabarimala temple's Travancore Devaswom Board.
- Call for investigation into missing gold sheets donated by Vijay Mallya.
- Transparency in temple asset management is crucial.
- Legal rulings prohibit removal of sacred items.
- Concerns raised over reappointment of craftsmen without accountability.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 5 (NationPress) A prominent BJP figure in Kerala, Kummanam Rajasekharan, who is also a former Governor of Mizoram, has raised serious allegations regarding significant mismanagement by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) concerning valuable assets at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple. He has called for a detailed inquiry into the enigmatic loss of gold sheets that were donated by the industrialist Vijay Mallya.
Kummanam highlighted that in 1998, Vijay Mallya, then the Chairman of UB Group, contributed 30.3 kg of gold intended for plating the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) and the Dwarapalaka idols of the revered hill shrine.
“It is a known fact that the Dwarapalaka sculptures were adorned with gold sheets. However, during their removal in 2019 for renovation, only copper was retrieved, and no gold was found. This has been corroborated by Smart Creation Company based in Chennai, which handled the renovation,” he stated.
He went on to mention that even the current President of the Devaswom Board acknowledged that only copper sheets were extracted in 2019.
“So, where have the gold sheets placed in 1998 disappeared? The government owes us an explanation,” he insisted, questioning the Board’s operational transparency.
Kummanam also accused the Board of neglecting temple traditions and court orders. He referenced a 2023 court ruling that forbids the removal of sacred items or valuables from temple grounds, in conjunction with the Devaswom Manual that stipulates repairs of gold ornaments must occur within the temple.
“The Board undertook this work without court consent or notification to devotees. This is a serious breach,” he contended.
The BJP leader raised red flags regarding the reappointment of craftsman Unnikrishnan Potti despite previous contract violations.
“No penalties were enforced, and no blacklisting occurred. Instead, the same individual was given the responsibility again without any precautions. This strongly suggests a conspiracy,” he remarked.
Labeling the disappearance of the gold sheets a “grave offense”, Kummanam demanded an in-depth investigation into what he described as a “massive conspiracy” within the TDB. “Those accountable must face justice. Devotees deserve to uncover the truth regarding the temple’s assets and sanctity,” he asserted.
Point of View
I believe that the integrity of religious institutions is paramount. The allegations raised by Kummanam Rajasekharan highlight the need for transparency in the management of temple assets. It is crucial for the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that devotees can trust the stewardship of their sacred sites.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against the Travancore Devaswom Board?
Kummanam Rajasekharan has accused the Board of mismanagement regarding the disappearance of gold sheets donated to the Sabarimala temple, demanding a detailed investigation.
Who donated the gold sheets to the temple?
The gold sheets, weighing 30.3 kg, were donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998 for the plating of the temple's sanctum sanctorum and idols.
What did the renovation work reveal about the gold sheets?
During the renovation in 2019, only copper sheets were found to have been removed, raising questions about the fate of the gold sheets.
What legal issues are involved in this case?
A 2023 court ruling prohibited the removal of sacred items from temple premises, and the Devaswom Manual mandates that repairs to gold ornaments should be conducted within the temple.
What actions have been taken regarding the craftsman involved?
Concerns have been raised about the reappointment of craftsman Unnikrishnan Potti despite previous contract breaches, without any penalties or safeguards.
