The president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), P.S. Prasanth, confirmed on Sunday that the gold-plated copper panels of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols from the Sabarimala temple were sent to Chennai for repairs in strict adherence to all established guidelines. He emphasized that this commitment to integrity has garnered widespread support from various community leaders.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Meenachil taluk union of the NSS, Mr. Prasanth detailed the process. He noted that a police report, submitted as per court orders, verified that every step was correctly followed. The only minor oversight was a slight delay in informing the Special Commissioner. For added security, the panels were transported to Chennai in a vehicle equipped with video surveillance. Following a recent High Court directive, these panels have now been returned and will be reinstalled after receiving the High Court’s final approval, with sacred rituals conducted by the Tantri (chief priest).
Addressing concerns about a reported reduction in the idols’ weight, Mr. Prasanth clarified that approximately 364 grams (around 38 sovereigns) of gold were used for plating the Dwarapalaka idols and their structure. He explained, “The total gold plating is under half a kilogram. The alleged four-kilogram weight reduction actually pertains to the copper material.” He further referenced a High Court-ordered Vigilance probe initiated after it was observed that the panels, which weighed 42.8 kg when first removed for gold-plating in 2019, were recorded at 38.258 kg when presented to the plating company in 2025.
Anticipating a Grand Pilgrimage Season
Mr. Prasanth shared optimistic projections for the upcoming pilgrimage season, anticipating approximately 6 million devotees at Sabarimala. He noted a steady increase in visitors, with 4.8 million devotees in 2023-24, rising to 5.4 million in 2024-25. The TDB’s annual revenue stands at ₹844 crore, with a substantial ₹600 crore generated solely from Sabarimala. This vital income supports around 1,200 temples, 6,200 employees, 5,200 pensioners, and nearly 40,000 families who rely directly or indirectly on the Sabarimala shrine.
He concluded by stating that prominent organizations, including the NSS, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, and Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha (KPMS), have extended their support to the board, acknowledging its dedication to the comprehensive development of Sabarimala.