Image Source: Kerala Kaumudi
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to bring back the gold-plated copper sheets of the Dwarapalaka idols from Chennai, where they had been sent for repairs, to Sabarimala temple emphasizing that such work cannot be undertaken without prior court approval.
The order followed a report submitted by Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, who informed the court that the sheets, fitted on the guardian idols at the temple entrance, had been removed and transported to Chennai without obtaining prior permission from the High Court. The court observed that “it was inappropriate to remove them without prior approval” and reiterated that any major maintenance work at Sabarimala or Malikappuram shrines requires clearance from both the Special Commissioner’s office and the High Court.
The TDB, however, maintained that the sheets were transported securely with the consent of the temple Tantri (chief priest) and the board members. According to TDB president P.S. Prashanth, the gold-plated sheets were detached from the Dwarapalaka idols after the Onam pujas, following Tantric directives for restoration of the sculptures, Sopanam steps, and temple doors. The restoration work, conducted at the sponsor’s expense, was supervised by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, Sabarimala Administrative Officer, Assistant Executive Officer, temple smith, and vigilance officials.
Prashanth further clarified that the sheets would be reinstalled after purification rituals on the third day of the Kanni month. He alleged that the controversy surrounding the removal of the sheets was being amplified to undermine the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam, which the TDB is organizing.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over temple administration and adherence to court and Tantric procedures. The High Court’s directive reinforces the requirement that all major restoration work at Sabarimala and associated shrines must receive explicit prior approval.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)
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