No records of donations made by Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi to Sabarimala; 2018 Kurup report in focus

Sabarimala: Details of a report submitted by Advocate ASP Kurup who served as Advocate Commissioner appointed by the Kerala High Court to oversee matters related to the administration of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple — resurfaced in media reports on Tuesday. The report gained renewed attention as the court last day ordered a vigilance probe into alleged irregularities linked to the 2017 installation of the kodimaram (flagmast) at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple. 

Gold donations and objections raised in report

The report notes that industrialists, actors and devotees were among those who contributed gold. Suresh Gopi, Mohanlal, Renji Panicker and M Ranjith of Rajaputhra Media were listed among the contributors. It states that this gold was used for the Vajivahanam and the Ashtadikpalakas, the eight Hindu deities guarding the cardinal and intercardinal directions.

According to the report, permission was not granted to use gold plating for the thazhikakkudams — the sacred conical finials placed at the highest point of Kerala temple towers, symbolising divine energy, purity and spiritual significance. The report also states that disagreements arose between the advocate commission and officials during the course of the work.

On July 6, 2018, Kurup submitted his report to the High Court detailing accounts and matters related to the kodimaram consecration. Recently, a Special Investigation Team probing a gold theft case also filed a report before the court on the same issue. 

HC’s view

After examining SIT report, the High Court’s Devaswom Bench noted inconsistencies in the gold accounts linked to the consecration. Several gold donations from devotees were found missing from official records. It is said that these findings appear to align with aspects highlighted in the Kurup’s 2018 report.

Kurup’s report said that devotees donated gold in kilograms, though the exact quantity was not specified. The gold used specifically for the kodimaram was properly accounted for.

Apart from the kodimaram, Kurup had proposed gold plating six thazhikakkudams and sought 600 grams of gold from the Devaswom Board. Officials were initially reluctant but later agreed.

When an additional 200 grams was sought, obstacles were reportedly raised. Kurup noted he took a firm stand and eventually sourced gold through other means, including jewellers.

The High Court has now found that details of gold donated by 27 individuals are missing and that no receipts were issued. It has directed that each donor be contacted to verify the quantity donated. If clarity is not achieved, the court has ordered registration of a criminal case and investigation. The state Vigilance department has been assigned the probe.