Sabarimala Tantri Denies Authorization for Gold Plating of Dvarapalaka Sculptures in Chennai

Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru has emphatically stated that the Dvarapalaka sculptures at the Sabarimala temple were indeed adorned with gold layers and that he never authorized their transportation to Chennai for gold plating. Rajeevaru made these assertions, directly contradicting statements made by Murari Babu, who had approached him regarding the renovation work.

Speaking from Pathanamthitta, the Tantri clarified that he had always expected any renovation activities to be conducted within the sacred temple premises. He confirmed that Murari Babu was the individual who sought his permission for the work and also mentioned his long-standing acquaintance with Unnikrishnan Pottiy.

Rajeevaru categorically dismissed Murari Babu’s claims regarding the gold plating of the Dvarapalaka sculptures as false. “I have not given permission to take the Dvarapalaka sculptures to Chennai for gold plating,” the Tantri asserted. He explained that he was approached with a request to perform minor repairs, as some parts of the sculptures had faded. His response, he clarified, was solely a reply to their written request, granting permission for maintenance work.

The Tantri emphasized that only a small portion at the base of the sculptures showed signs of fading. His approval was strictly for repairs to be carried out at Sabarimala itself. As the Tantri, he reiterated that he did not authorize taking the sculptures to Chennai. He maintained that the decision to transport them for gold plating was made without his consent, both now and in 2019. Furthermore, he affirmed that all components of the sculptures are indeed gold, not copper, and his letters consistently refer to them as gold.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing controversy, it has been discovered that the gold plating of the Dvarapalaka sculptures this year is shrouded in mystery. An initial finding by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, which stated that Chennai Smart Creations lacked the expertise to remove the existing gold coating and re-do the work, was reportedly reversed within eight days. This reversal inexplicably overturned a directive that stipulated gold plating should be performed using traditional methods at Sannidhanam itself. A mysterious withdrawal of an email sent to the Executive Officer on July 30, 2025, detailing these findings, was noted, occurring shortly after discussions with the sponsor, Unnikrishnan Pottiy.

This sequence of events has raised significant questions regarding the transparency and authorization processes involved in the renovation of the sacred Dvarapalaka sculptures at Sabarimala. The Tantri’s firm denial of permission for off-site gold plating further deepens the mystery surrounding the circumstances of the work carried out.