Gold-clad copper plates reinstalled on Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple ahead of monthly pujas

The gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian) idols at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, which had been sent to Chennai for repairs, were reinstalled on Friday (October 17, 2025).

The restoration coincided with the opening of the hill 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 various Upadevatha temples and the lighting of the ‘aazhi’ near the 18 holy steps.

Once the sanctum sanctorum was opened, the gold plates were affixed to the Dwarapalaka idols flanking the Sanctum sanctorum and the installation was also followed by a special ritual. TDB president P.S. Prashanth, along with several top Devaswom officials, were present. Devotees were allowed to have darshan of Ayyappa even during the installation process.

The reinstallation of these metal plates assumes special significance as it came amid a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of gold theft during purported gold-plating work in 2019.

During the restoration this time, carried out at Smart Creations in Chennai, 10 g of gold were newly applied to 12 of the 14 plates on the two idols. According to a Mahassar prepared by the TDB, the weight of gold on the 12 plates has increased to 291 g, while the total weight of gold on all 14 plates now stands at 407 g.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the temple on October 22, the final day of the ongoing five-day puja season. There will be restrictions on darshan on October 22 in connection with the President’s visit.

The Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has published short lists for the new Malikappuram Melsanthi and the Sabarimala Melsanthi. The draw of lots will be held on Saturday.