Pathanamthitta: A high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe is underway to verify whether the official reasons cited for moving the Dwarapalaka (deity guards) sculptures of the Sabarimala sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) to Chennai for gold-plating last year were truthful and accurate.

The Travancore Devaswom Board's decision on September 2, 2025, to approve the relocation was based entirely on an official report claiming that the sculptural sheets and support bases were cracked, and that the gold layering had worn away to expose the underlying nickel plating. Following this report, the historic sculptures were dismantled and moved for restoration on September 7, 2025.

The highly confidential operation only came to light after Sabarimala Special Commissioner R Jayakrishnan filed a formal report exposing the move to the High Court. The SIT is now cross-checking the exact physical condition of the artifacts against the claims made in that report.

Key claims in the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner's 2025 report

The SIT investigation is heavily focused on the specific damages highlighted by the then Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments) Commissioner to justify the emergency restoration.

  • Right-side Dwarapalaka sculpture: A 1.5-inch crack was reported on the copper sheet near the doorframe. In addition, structural fractures were suspected inside the leg section. The report noted visible blemishes on the gold-plated surfaces that required dismantling for closer inspection.
     
  • Left-side Dwarapalaka sculpture: The report flagged multiple fractures, including a 2-inch crack on the left side of the sheet and a 0.5-inch crack just below the elbow.
     
  • Support base (Peetham): It was claimed that the outer gold layer had completely eroded, exposing the inner nickel coating. Furthermore, the gold plating had peeled off entirely in three separate areas, each spanning roughly 1 cm in length.
     
  • Archway and deficiencies: The archway sheet featuring the carved image of Goddess Lakshmi above the doorframe was described as heavily blackened by soot, and several brass fittings secured to the sanctum sanctorum were reported as missing.

The role of Unnikrishnan Potti and unfinished rituals

The initial plan outlined by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner also included on-site restoration work at the Sannidhanam by a devotee named Unnikrishnan Potti.

According to the official agreement, once the Dwarapalaka sculptures were gold-plated by Smart Creations in Chennai and brought back to Sabarimala, Potti was supposed to repair the sanctum doors, doorframe, Lakshmi image, and the archway entirely at his own expense. He had also agreed to fund the mandatory purification rituals—including the Anujna and Shuddhi Pujas—as directed by the Head Priest (Thantri).

However, the SIT probe notes that by the time the gold-plated Dwarapalaka sheets were returned to the hill shrine, the explosive "2019 gold scam" controversy had resurfaced like a storm. Amidst the brewing legal and public backlash, the proposed repairs and rituals managed by Potti never took place.