Sabarimala Temple Gold Panels Must Return Immediately: Kerala High Court Slams Devaswom Board
In a major blow to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the Kerala High Court has ordered the immediate return of gold-plated panels removed from the guardian sculptures at Sabarimala temple’s sanctum sanctorum. These panels, taken to Chennai for repairs, now face a strict court deadline.
The court stepped in while hearing a petition about the removal of these gold-plated sheets. Judges expressed clear frustration, criticizing the TDB for ignoring past orders. They pointed out that the board acted without court permission, breaking rules that require all gold work at the shrine to happen on-site at Sannidhanam under strict supervision.
A report from the Special Commissioner called this a "serious breach of protocol." The commissioner confirmed the panels came off without approval, sparking fresh controversy over Sabarimala temple administration and gold handling practices.
TDB President P.S. Prashanth jumped to defend the decision on Tuesday. He explained that the sculptures showed tarnish, scratches, and cracks on the legs, needing urgent fixes before the busy Mandalam pilgrimage season. "We did this with the chief priest’s okay, and officials from the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and Vigilance were there to watch," Prashanth said.
But the move has stirred up bigger questions about the value of ancient temple gold. Some devotees worry that even if the same amount of gold comes back, exposure to air and time might boost its worth, leading to hidden profits for someone. This isn’t new for Sabarimala—past scandals, like the gold-plating of the temple roof, raised similar doubts about transparency in managing sacred assets.
The court has now set the panels’ return as top priority and plans more hearings soon. This latest twist keeps the spotlight on the TDB’s choices, with devotees and the public watching closely for updates on Sabarimala temple gold controversy.
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