Actor Jayaram Clarifies Role in Sabarimala Gold Plating Controversy

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Jayaram has issued a detailed clarification regarding the allegations leveled against him in connection with the controversial gold plating of the Sabarimala temple door. Speaking to News18, Jayaram confirmed that the gold-plated door, intended for the Sabarimala shrine, was indeed worshipped at his home for approximately half an hour.

The actor admitted that his actions were a mistake and should not have been undertaken. He recounted, “The plates were transported in the back of an Omni van, wrapped in several plastic papers. Notably, no other members of the Devaswom Board were present during this time.”

Jayaram further stated that spiritual leader Veeramani Swami participated in the pooja (worship ceremony) at his residence, confirming that he personally invited Swami. Veeramani Swami performed devotional songs, while Jayaram actively took part in the rituals. The actor expressed that he considered it a great blessing to have been able to “take Ayyappan” through this special pooja, adding that he had no prior knowledge that the incident would later escalate into a controversy. Jayaram also mentioned his long-standing acquaintance with Unnikrishnan Potti, whom he regularly meets at Sabarimala during the annual Makaravilakku festival.

The incident at the heart of the controversy dates back to 2019. Fourteen gold plates, which had been officially entrusted to Unnikrishnan Potti by the Devaswom Board for gold plating, were transported to Chennai. Following the gold-plating process and their transformation into the form of a Dvarapalaka (door-guardian) sculpture, the aforementioned poojas were conducted at Jayaram’s residence. Unnikrishnan Potti’s wife and son were also present at the ceremony.