Gold Theft Scandal Rocks Revered Hindu Temple in India

Wed Nov 05 2025 06:44:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A major theft scandal has emerged from the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, where idols are reported to have been stripped of their gold coverings. Investigations are underway as several arrests have been made, shocking devotees and igniting a political uproar.

The Sabarimala temple, a significant pilgrimage site in Kerala, is engulfed in controversy following the discovery that gold-plated idols have been tampered with. The Kerala High Court has initiated an investigation, resulting in multiple arrests, including a former temple priest. As opposition parties voice their discontent, calls for accountability from the government grow louder. This scandal has raised concerns over the management and security of sacred temple valuables.

A famed Hindu temple in southern India is embroiled in a scandal after the Kerala high court said there was evidence that some of the idols have been stripped of their gold covering.

Gold and silver plating of idols and temple figurines, mostly paid for by devotees, is common across temples in India. So, the theft at Sabarimala shrine, visited by millions of pilgrims every year, has stunned the devout and made headlines.

The Kerala High Court has set up a special investigation team (SIT), police have begun an inquiry into the disappearance of gold, and three people, including a former assistant temple priest, have been arrested.

A two-judge bench that is monitoring the investigation has been holding regular hearings in the case since September, and the next sitting is on Wednesday.

The hill shrine, dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Ayyappa, had made headlines a few years back too. The temple bars women of menstruating age and was ordered by the Supreme Court to end this discrimination. But following protests, the court agreed to review its landmark ruling and put it on hold.

What has been stolen?

The current controversy centers around two idols of Dwarapalakas - or the door guards that stand just outside the sanctum sanctorum where the main deity sits.

The court took up the case in September after a report by the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner revealed that the idols were stripped of their gold-cladding in many places.

In a series of court orders since then, Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar have reviewed evidence submitted by temple officials regarding the repair of the idols. The judges noted that approximately 4.54kg of gold has gone missing since 2019, describing the situation as a 'heist and plundering of gold.'

The suspects and their denials

The former priest, Unnikrishnan Potty, has been arrested and maintains his innocence, asserting he is being 'trapped.' He was reportedly allowed to take the idols out for repairs, which is uncommon practice for the temple.

Alongside Potty, two board officials have also been arrested as the investigation unfolds, with opposition leaders calling for accountability from the government regarding this major loss of sacred valuables.”

Political row and protests

The scandal has triggered significant political backlash, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Kerala's Minister for Temple Affairs, who has denied any wrongdoing. The involvement of temple officials and the handling of the situation has raised questions about the temple's governance and protections for its treasures.