【Thiruvananth】Sabarimala Temple: New Twist in Gold Plating Case, TDB Insists on Detailed Probe; Will Appeal to High Court

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Editor’s Note

The Travancore Devaswom Board’s decision to seek a High Court probe into gold plating at Sabarimala Temple, spanning nearly three decades, highlights significant administrative and fiduciary concerns. This move underscores the imperative for transparency in the management of temple assets and devotees’ offerings.

TDB to move Kerala HC seeking detailed probe into Sabarimala gold plating from 1998 to 2025 News In Hindi
TDB to Approach High Court for Probe into Gold Plating from 1998 to 2025

News Desk, Amar Ujala, Thiruvananthapuram

Published by: Shubham Kumar
Updated: Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:22 PM IST

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will approach the High Court seeking an investigation into the gold plating done on the Dwarpalak (guardian deity) idols of the Sabarimala Temple from 1998 to 2025. TDB President PS Prasanth stated that the probe will start from the gold donated by Vijay Mallya. It will involve a thorough investigation into the quantity of gold used and the people responsible.

Probe to Begin from Vijay Mallya’s Gold Donation

Board President Prasanth informed that the investigation will start from September 1998, when industrialist Vijay Mallya donated gold. At that time, this work was under the Public Works Department (PWD) and the record-keeping process was not properly organized.

“The working methodology of that time is unknown to me, but now everything will be brought to light through the investigation.”

He stated that the board’s standing counsel has been directed to file a petition in this matter. The petition will be filed after the High Court’s Pooja holidays. The investigation will determine how much gold was used and who all were involved.

Allegations Against Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty Also Under Scrutiny

When media questioned about allegations against sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, Prasanth said that Potty himself had earlier made allegations against the TDB. Now he is under the scanner of the investigation. The board had already separated him from this process. Regarding the Chennai-based agency ‘Smart Creations’, which was entrusted with the gold plating work of the Dwarpalak idols, Prasanth said it is an authorized agency and the board has full trust in it.

“We entrusted them with the work trusting their warranty. There was no lapse from the board’s side and the idol plates were sent securely.”
Clarification on 2019 TDB Order

Prasanth also clarified that the TDB order issued in 2019 did not state that Potty himself would handle the gold plates. The order stated that the plating should be done under the supervision of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, with Potty as the sponsor. How this order was implemented needs to be investigated.

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⏰ Published on: October 03, 2025