Sabarimala's Golden Secret: 50 Sovereigns Unearthed Amidst Controversial Panel Removal

A shimmering secret, hidden for years within the sacred precincts of the Sabarimala Sannidhanam, has finally come to light, sparking a significant controversy that reverberates across Kerala. During routine maintenance and renovation work on the revered Sopanam – the holy steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum – workers unearthed a stunning 50 sovereigns of pure gold embedded within the gold-plated panels.

However, this remarkable discovery is now overshadowed by a contentious revelation: these panels were reportedly removed and the gold extracted without the explicit consent of the temple’s chief priest, the Melsanthi.

The gold-plated panels adorning the Sopanam are not merely decorative; they are integral to the temple's rich heritage and spiritual significance.

The process of their removal, undertaken as part of an ongoing project to enhance the temple's grandeur, was intended to be meticulously supervised, adhering to strict traditional protocols. Yet, sources close to the temple administration indicate a significant breach of these very protocols. The Melsanthi, traditionally the ultimate authority on such matters concerning the sanctum's immediate vicinity, was allegedly bypassed, raising serious questions about governance and respect for ecclesiastical authority.

This incident has sent ripples of concern through the devout community and prompted a stern reaction from various spiritual and administrative quarters.

Devotees are expressing dismay over the perceived disregard for established temple traditions, while religious leaders are calling for immediate accountability. The discovery itself, while adding to the legend of Sabarimala's opulence, has become entangled in a web of procedural lapses, threatening to erode trust in the management of one of the world's most significant pilgrimage sites.

Calls for a comprehensive investigation into the matter have intensified.

Stakeholders are demanding clarity on who authorised the removal of the panels without the Melsanthi's explicit permission and what steps will be taken to ensure such procedural missteps are not repeated. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which governs the Sabarimala temple, is now under immense pressure to address these concerns transparently and to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the sanctity and traditions of the shrine.

The future handling of this unearthed gold and the resolution of the procedural breach will undoubtedly be keenly watched by millions of devotees globally.