Sabarimala Temple Gold Plating: A Scandalous Defiance of Court Orders

A fresh and deeply troubling controversy has engulfed the revered Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, as reports confirm that the gold plating of its Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) roof and the removal of existing copper sheets proceeded without the explicit permission of the Kerala High Court. This unilateral action by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) stands in direct defiance of judicial directives, igniting widespread criticism and raising serious questions about accountability.

The High Court had previously issued stringent orders prohibiting any structural alterations or gold plating work on the Sreekovil without its express consent.

These directives were a response to ongoing legal challenges and concerns regarding the preservation of the temple's ancient character. Yet, the TDB appears to have bypassed these crucial legal safeguards, prompting outrage among devotees and legal observers alike.

The current dispute centres around a generous donation of 7.5 kilograms of gold by Kottayam native Krishnan, intended for the Sreekovil's embellishment.

While the sentiment behind such a donation is traditionally revered, the execution of the project has been marred by procedural irregularities. The work, which commenced on April 17 and concluded by April 21, just ahead of the Vishu festival, involved meticulously dismantling the old copper sheets to make way for the new golden ones.

According to TDB officials, the removed copper sheets have been securely stored in the Devaswom's strong room.

However, this act of preservation does little to mitigate the gravity of violating a court order. The High Court's earlier pronouncements were not mere suggestions but binding legal commands, underscoring the necessity of judicial oversight in matters pertaining to the temple's sacred architecture and structural integrity.

This is not the first time the Sabarimala temple's gold plating initiatives have courted controversy.

Past attempts have been plagued by allegations of tender irregularities and even the reported use of the temple's own gold reserves without proper justification. These historical precedents add a layer of public mistrust to the current situation, suggesting a pattern of questionable decision-making by the TDB.

Experts and conservationists have consistently advocated for the preservation of the temple's original structure, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of its ancient design.

The High Court's prior orders were, in part, aimed at upholding these recommendations, preventing irreversible changes that could compromise the temple's heritage. The current disregard for these directives not only challenges judicial authority but also poses a threat to the architectural legacy of one of India's most significant pilgrimage sites.

As the controversy escalates, stakeholders await the High Court's response to this blatant defiance.

The incident underscores the critical need for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to legal frameworks when dealing with institutions of such immense spiritual and cultural importance as the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple.