Fresh Controversy Erupts at Sabarimala Over Ritual Staff and Rudraksha Mala

October 10, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram: A new controversy has emerged at the famed Sabarimala temple concerning the ‘yoga danda’ (ritual staff) and ‘rudraksha mala’ adorning the Ayyappa idol, further complicating matters already under scrutiny due to the gold-plating row.

Son of Former Devaswom Board Chief Involved

It has now come to light that Jayashankar Padman, son of former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, was entrusted with carrying out the gold-plating and repair of the yoga danda.

Padmakumar stated the task was carried out under the instructions of the temple tantri (chief priest). “When the tantri asked who would do it, my son volunteered,” he explained, adding that the work was performed without removing the sacred staff from temple premises.

However, questions have arisen over whether mandatory approval from the Kerala High Court was obtained for the procedure.

Discrepancies Around Rudraksha Mala and Ritual Staff

The controversy also concerns the Rudraksha mala and yoga danda, which were taken from the sanctum sanctorum in 2018 for gold-plating under a Devaswom Board initiative. Records confirming whether the items were returned are reportedly missing.

The yoga danda, originally donated by the Pandalam royal family, is a key ritual object placed on the idol after Harivarasanam and holds deep spiritual significance for devotees.

Link to Missing Gold-Plated Pedestals

This revelation comes amid an ongoing investigation into missing gold-plated Dwarapalaka pedestals, sponsored in 2019 and later found unaccounted for. The developments now link two sensitive gold-plating operations to the same team, raising questions about accountability, record-keeping, and oversight in managing sacred assets.

SIT Probe Underway

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been given six weeks to complete its probe and submit a report to the Kerala High Court. The inquiry has put the role of Devaswom authorities under scrutiny, with one temple official already suspended. All eyes are now on the SIT to determine whether further lapses will be uncovered.