7 months ago
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The gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian) idols astatine Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, which had been sent to Chennai for repairs, were reinstalled connected Friday (October 17, 2025).
The restoration coincided with the opening of the elevation shrine for the five-day monthly pujas. Temple Melsanthi Arun Kumar Namboothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This was followed by the opening of the assorted Upadevatha temples and the lighting of the ‘aazhi’ adjacent the 18 beatified steps.
Once the sanctum sanctorum was opened, the golden plates were affixed to the Dwarapalaka idols flanking the Sanctum sanctorum and the installation was besides followed by a peculiar ritual. TDB president P.S. Prashanth, on with respective apical Devaswom officials, were present. Devotees were allowed to person darshan of Ayyappa adjacent during the installation process.
The reinstallation of these metallic plates assumes peculiar value arsenic it came amid a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of golden theft during purported gold-plating enactment successful 2019.
During the restoration this time, carried retired astatine Smart Creations successful Chennai, 10 g of golden were recently applied to 12 of the 14 plates connected the 2 idols. According to a Mahassar prepared by the TDB, the value of golden connected the 12 plates has accrued to 291 g, portion the full value of golden connected each 14 plates present stands astatine 407 g.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to sojourn the temple connected October 22, the last time of the ongoing five-day puja season. There volition beryllium restrictions connected darshan connected October 22 successful transportation with the President’s visit.
The Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has published abbreviated lists for the caller Malikappuram Melsanthi and the Sabarimala Melsanthi. The gully of tons volition beryllium held connected Saturday.
