TDB denies any violation of temple customs in repair of gold-plated idols, to file review petition in Kerala High Court

Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prasanth has denied any violation of temple customs in the repair of the gold-plated sheets on the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple entrance. The Kerala High Court on Wednesday asked the TDB to bring back the gold-plated sheets that had been taken to a Chennai-based facility for restoration.

Speaking to press persons here on Thursday, he said that the Board will file a review petition and inform the HC about the practical difficulties in bringing back the panels, on which an electroplating process is being carried out.

“The tantris are the last word on temple customs. In 2023, both the tantris had asked the Board in writing to carry out repair works on the panels, which had been damaged due to the constant impact of coins thrown by the devotees as an offering. As per the Devaswom manual, all such works are to be handled by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. We followed all the proceedings transparently. The panels were removed in the presence of the Vigilance wings as well as other officials and the entire process was videographed. Currently, the gold plating and the copper are in a separated state as part of the electroplating process. So, it is impossible to bring back the panels immediately,” he said.

Mr. Prasanth accused a section of the media of indulging in a misinformation campaign to tarnish the image of the TDB, while its only aim has been to protect the customs and traditions of the temple.