Gold Stolen? Valuables Missing From Kerala’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple Months After Sabarimala Scandal

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 12:27 IST

The intelligence report stated that nearly 78 grams of gold bars and coins offered by devotees for maintenance purposes had reportedly gone missing over the past few months.

After the Sabarimala missing gold scandal, fresh questions have now emerged around Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala after an intelligence report flagged missing valuables, alleged security lapses and irregular handling of devotees’ offerings.

According to reports, the Director General of Police sent a letter to Kerala’s Additional Chief Secretary based on findings submitted by the Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence). The report raised serious concerns regarding the management and protection of valuables inside the temple.

Gold offerings missing?

The intelligence report stated that nearly 78 grams of gold bars and coins offered by devotees for maintenance purposes had reportedly gone missing over the past few months. The report also mentioned that a multi-tiered gold lamp removed earlier for maintenance was no longer inside the temple premises.

According to the findings, the original gold lamp had allegedly been replaced with a silver one without any official records documenting the change. Another major concern involved the “Vaira Nama", a traditional ornament normally placed inside the sanctum sanctorum.

The report claimed the ornament had not been in its original place for the past six months after reportedly being removed in the name of repair and maintenance work.

Notably, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple does not come under any Devaswom Board controlled by the Kerala government. The temple is managed by a Supreme Court-appointed executive committee responsible for its day-to-day administration.

The district judge serves as the head of the executive committee. The committee includes a representative from the central government, BJP leader Karamana Jayan.

The Kerala government’s representative on the panel is advocate Velayudhan.

Another member is Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, the head of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. Aditya Varma is also part of the committee as a nominee of the royal family head.

The fifth member of the executive panel is the chief priest of the temple.

Security screening bypassed?

The investigation also pointed to serious security lapses at the temple entrance.

According to the report, certain temple employees, security personnel and people allegedly associated with the erstwhile Travancore royal family were bypassing mandatory security checks at the Chembakathummoodu entrance.

The report named several individuals who allegedly entered and exited the temple frequently without undergoing security screening.

Among those mentioned were Ganapathy V Iyer, Rajesh Kazhakoottam, Arun, Kottukal Shaiju, Padmesh Parasuraman and Ashok. Officials claimed these individuals were close to Aditya Varma and were regular visitors to Kowdiar Palace.

Tighter security recommended

Following the findings, authorities recommended several measures to strengthen security and safeguard valuables at the temple.

The report suggested that all gold, silver and other valuables currently stored outside the vaults should be moved into a centralised strong room. It also recommended proper documentation and secure storage of all offerings received from devotees.

According to the recommendations, all lockers and storage areas should remain under strict police surveillance. The report further called for a zero-tolerance policy towards security bypasses.

It stated that every individual, regardless of status or connections, must undergo standard security screening before entering the premises.

The allegations have now triggered major concern around the management of one of Kerala’s most prominent temples and raised questions regarding the handling of valuables and internal security arrangements.

News india Gold Stolen? Valuables Missing From Kerala’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple Months After Sabarimala Scandal

Read More