Sabarimala Gold Door Controversy: From Temple to Actor’s Home and Back

 

The gold-plated door panels of Sabarimala temple, associated with the Dwarapalaka idols, have come under intense scrutiny after reports revealed their removal in July 2019, a month-long journey across southern India, and a significant loss of gold before being returned to the shrine. The revelations, drawn from court filings and company records, have prompted a High Court-ordered investigation.

 

The sequence began as a routine restoration project in 2019. Court documents show that the gold cladding, weighing 42.8 kilograms, was removed on July 19. The following day, the pieces were sent under the custody of Unnikrishnan Potti, destined for Smart Creations, a Chennai-based company contracted for electroplating. However, the panels did not reach Chennai until August 29, nearly 39 days later, by which time their weight had dropped to 38.25 kg, a loss of about 4.54 kg.

 

During this period, the artefacts reportedly visited multiple locations, including a private temple in Kottayam, other temples in Andhra Pradesh, the Sriramapuram Ayyappa shrine in Bengaluru, and notably, the residence of Malayalam actor Jayaram for a private puja, before being returned to Sabarimala. Smart Creations later confirmed that the Dwarapalaka idols were consecrated at Jayaram’s home before installation back at the temple.

 

The incident has raised critical questions: Was the same door sent to Chennai? What caused the gold loss? Who was responsible for safeguarding the panels? Are the panels currently in Sabarimala the originals, replicas, or gold-plated copper?

 

The gold connection traces back to 1998, when businessman Vijay Mallya donated around 30 kg of gold to the sanctum. Additional gold was added in 1999 for the door cladding. Court and vigilance reports have repeatedly examined how much of that donation remains accounted for.

 

The Kerala High Court, led by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar, has directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter, seize records, and file a sealed report. The SIT includes officers from district police stations and the cyber cell, following strict court supervision.

 

Politically, the case has sparked widespread protests, particularly by the BJP, which has accused the authorities of mismanagement and demanded a CBI probe. Hundreds of workers staged marches across Kerala, with confrontations reported in Kozhikode. Opposition leaders in the Kerala Assembly have also pressed for accountability, including the resignation of the Devaswom minister.

 

The issue of “leftover gold” has added to the controversy. Emails from sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti revealed intentions to use remaining gold for personal purposes, including weddings, a revelation described as deeply disturbing by the High Court. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) maintains it acted within rules, with preliminary vigilance checks conducted.