Gold Idol Repairs: TDB Refutes Customs Violation, Plans Review Petition in Kerala HC

Swift Summary:

• Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prasanth has denied any violations of temple customs during the restoration of gold-plated sheets on Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple entrance.
• Kerala High Court directed TDB too bring back the panels, which were sent to a Chennai-based facility for electroplating repairs.
• The TDB plans to file a review petition with the High Court, citing practical difficulties in immediate retrieval due to ongoing restoration work.
• According to Mr.Prasanth, both tantris had requested in 2023 that repair works be conducted due to damage caused by devotee offerings such as coin impacts; procedures adhered strictly to Devaswom manual guidelines and were carried out transparently under supervision, including video documentation.
• He alleged that some media outlets are spreading misinformation aimed at tarnishing TDB’s image and emphasized their commitment to preserving temple traditions.

indian Opinion Analysis:
The situation highlights a complex interaction between temple traditions, legal oversight, and public sentiment regarding religious practices at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple-a revered site of pilgrimage in India. While ensuring adherence to customs remains critical for devotees’ trust, managing practical challenges like preservation and maintenance requires transparency and accountability from institutions such as the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The Kerala High Court’s intervention underscores its role in overseeing actions impacting public faith while balancing logistical realities around artifact maintenance.If executed carefully through open dialogue by all parties involved-including tantris (custodians of ritualistic responsibilities)-and addressing misinformation constructively without escalating tensions, this matter could set an example for managing disputes concerning heritage preservation across India’s vast network of temples.

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