Pathanamthitta: A major controversy is unfolding at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple following sensational claims that the original gold-plated panels of the Dwarapalaka (gatekeeper) sculptures, donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1999, have mysteriously disappeared. The Travancore Devaswom Board and former head priest Unnikrishnan Potti are now under scrutiny as their official explanations contradict the statement from the Chennai-based firm that handled the recent restoration work.
The discrepancy came to light when Adv. K.B. Pradeep, owner of SmarT Creations in Chennai, revealed that his company received new copper plates for gold plating in 2019, not the original gold-leafed panels from 1999. “We never accept repair work for items not originally made by us. They provided new copper plates, which we then gold-plated,” Pradeep stated, dismantling the Board’s claim of simple “repairs and maintenance.”
This revelation raises serious questions about the whereabouts of the original gold plates. Allegations are now surfacing that the gold, originally thin sheets layered onto copper plates at the Sannidhanam itself, has been misappropriated.
The mystery deepened when it was noted that the panels, removed from the sanctum sanctorum in 2019, only reached the Chennai factory 39 days later. Official Devaswom records only mention “copper plates,” a detail critics claim was a deliberate move to facilitate the alleged pilferage. The Board’s involvement is now being questioned, with many dismissing their explanation of it being a “clerical error.”
Timeline of the Controversy:
- 1999: Industrialist Vijay Mallya funds the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka sculptures. Official letters from the Devaswom Board to its works and vigilance departments serve as evidence of this work.
- 2019: The plates are removed for what was claimed to be restoration work. However, SmarT Creations reports receiving new copper plates instead of the old ones.
- 2021: A new pedestal offered by Unnikrishnan Potti is moved to the strong room due to its incorrect size after the existing one showed signs of fading.
- 2023: The temple’s chief priest (Tantri) officially requests repairs, citing discoloration and damage to the gold-plated panels.
- 2025 (Sept 7): Based on an email from Unnikrishnan Potti, the panels are again removed and sent to Chennai for work.
Discrepancy in Weight Adds to Suspicion
Adding another layer to the controversy, reports indicate a discrepancy of nearly four kilograms in the weight of the plates after they were returned from the renovation. The Devaswom Board has so far failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or proper documentation for this weight loss. While a formal inventory (mahazar) from the time is missing, the original letters authorizing the 1999 gold plating project stand as crucial evidence. The demand for a comprehensive investigation into the matter is now growing louder.
