Thiruvananthapuram: Unnikrishnan Potty, a sponsor involved in the gold-plating of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple’s sanctum sanctorum and Dwarapalaka idols, sought permission from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in December 2019 to use leftover gold for a wedding. In a letter dated December 9, 2019, Potty proposed using the remaining gold to support a girl’s marriage, coordinating with the TDB. The Devaswom Secretary responded on December 17, 2019, seeking clarity on the matter.
Background of the sponsorship
Potty had previously secured the TDB’s approval to sponsor the gold-plating of temple idols and valuables at his expense. The TDB entrusted 42.8 kg of items to Potty’s company, Smart Creations in Chennai. Upon return, the gold-covered copper plates weighed 38.258 kg, raising concerns about the discrepancy. Despite this, the TDB entrusted Potty with another gold-plating project earlier this year.
Legal scrutiny and controversy
The controversy intensified when the Kerala High Court ordered the immediate return of the panels removed for repair and criticized the TDB for violating the Devaswom manual and not informing the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner. The court described the actions of Devaswom officials and Potty as “alarming.”
Potty’s response
Unnikrishnan Potty has stated that he will cooperate with authorities if summoned and has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that any claims will be addressed in court.