Sabarimala Golden Pedestal Found at Sponsor’s Relative’s Home; Vigilance Launches Detailed Investigation

Thiruvananthapuram: A golden pedestal, originally commissioned for the door guardian sculptures at Sabarimala, has been recovered from the house of Unnikrishnan Potti’s sister in Vennaramma by the Devaswom Vigilance, following allegations that the pedestal had gone missing. The incident has raised serious questions regarding security arrangements and oversight at Sabarimala, and the findings are expected to influence the High Court’s ongoing considerations.

The controversy began when sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti claimed that the pedestal he had funded for the temple’s door guardians was missing. Investigations revealed that, although Potti had initially commissioned the pedestal in 2019 from Chennai, and it was transported to Sabarimala through a staff member, discrepancies in dimensions had prevented its proper installation at the site. At the time, Potti stated he was unaware of its whereabouts.

Subsequent inquiries by Vigilance, following High Court directives, included questioning Potti and conducting searches at his Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru residences. These investigations yielded clues pointing to the pedestal’s presence at his sister’s home. According to the relative, the pedestal had been brought there on 25th of this month, and was in a protective enclosure until collected by vigilance officials.

The Devaswom Board has confirmed that while the pedestal was originally meant to be fitted to the door guardian sculptures, installation issues had prevented its placement. A detailed report on the recovery and the circumstances leading to the pedestal being moved off-site is expected to be submitted to the High Court shortly, with further actions to be guided by the court’s recommendations.

Potti, who has described himself as a sponsor and philanthropist assisting temple priests for several years, maintains that he was unaware of the pedestal’s exact location. Vigilance officials, however, are investigating whether any irregularities or unauthorized activities occurred under the guise of sponsorship.

This episode underscores the importance of strict oversight of sponsored works at religious institutions, especially when high-value materials such as gold are involved. The Devaswom Board and vigilance authorities have welcomed the court-mandated inquiry and pledged full cooperation to ensure accountability.