Kottayam: A state audit report has revealed a shortage of 255.83 grams of gold offered by devotees at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. The audit, which examined the temple’s registers for the 2020–21 financial year, noted that 255 grams of gold were unaccounted for. The report was submitted to the High Court in November last year.

Devotees traditionally offer gold and silver ornaments at the temple. These offerings are recorded in a register before being wrapped and transferred to the strong room. The audit found a total of 199 gold packages at the temple, with 3,247.9 grams recorded in the register. However, inspection of the strong room revealed only 2,992.07 grams of gold.

The audit department confirmed a shortage of 255.83 grams based on the audit. The Travancore Devaswom Board has not provided any explanation for the missing gold. Prior to submitting the report to the court, the audit department had requested clarification from the Board, but no response was received.