Sabarimala gold plating row: Documents show TDB approached Potti for financial assistance for repairs

Kochi: Documents reveal that the Travancore Devaswom Board took the initiative to repair the gold panels at Sabarimala. Records also indicate that the Board wrote to gold panel sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti to ask if he could cover the cost of the repairs. Interestingly, the documents have emerged at a time when reports said it was Potti who approached the Travancore Devaswom Board.

In August 2024, following the Board’s decision, the letter was sent to Potti. The documents show that the Board informed him that the gold-plated parts of the Dwarapalaka sculptures and the supporting pillars could be sent to Chennai for restoration.

On 23 August, the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner sent a letter to Potti at his Bengaluru address. The letter stated that the gold panels on the Dwarapalaka sculpture required repairs and could be transported to Chennai, and asked whether he would be able to bear the repair expenses. It also noted that the doors, gates, Lakshmi idol, and the shrine’s arch needed repairs, which could be carried out at the Sannidhanam, and asked if Potti was willing to cover the cost of these as well.

On 25 August, Potti replied, agreeing to cover the cost of all the repairs. He also confirmed that he would bear the expenses for the associated purification rituals.