Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Discolouration of the gold plating has been detected at two locations, each about two feet long, on the right side of the roof of the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) of Sabarimala temple.

Although the marks are believed to have been present for around six months, they came to official attention only on Tuesday.

According to the Travancore Devaswom Board’s preliminary assessment, the discolouration may have been caused by ghee thrown onto the roof by someone during the last pilgrimage season. The ghee is believed to have remained on the surface and, over time, mixed with dust and other particles, turning black. Officials suspect the incident occurred in early January this year. As there was no rain during that period, the ghee likely remained on the roof.

A similar blackened patch, about two feet long, has also been observed below the facade at the rear of the sanctum. However, authorities have yet to determine when that discolouration occurred.

Photographs taken by Mathrubhumi on January 8 show the colour variation. Images from December 28, 2025, when the temple was closed, show no such change. The temple reopened for the Makaravilakku season on December 30, and photographs taken on January 1 also do not show the discolouration. This suggests the change likely occurred on one of the days between January 2 and January 7.

The conclusion was reached following an inspection led by Thiruvabharanam Commissioner R. Rejilal. The examination was carried out by the Devaswom Board’s smith (metalwork expert).

The expert has advised that the discolouration could likely be removed by washing the area with water. However, since the structure is part of the sanctum sanctorum, permission from the temple’s Thantri (chief priest) will be required. Based on that approval, the cleaning process is expected to be carried out after obtaining permission from the Kerala High Court.