Global Ayyappa Summit resulted in loss of Rs 3.40 crore; audit flags discrepancies

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Global Ayyappa Summit held at Pamba by the Devaswom Board and the state government has reportedly resulted in a loss of Rs 3.40 crore. The financial statement, submitted with a delay by the Devaswom Board, was presented before the Kerala High Court on Tuesday by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. There are indications from the audit report that the accounts contain discrepancies and several missing details.

The Global Ayyappa Summit was organised on September 25, 2025, at Pamba Triveni under the leadership of a company named Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Constructions. The estimated expense for the programme was Rs 8 crore. The then Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth had said that around Rs 7 crore was received through sponsorship.

Although the Devaswom Board had earlier stated that it would not spend its own funds, it later paid an advance of Rs 4 crore. Out of this, only Rs 2 crore was recovered through sponsorship.

The High Court had granted permission for the event with strict conditions. The court had directed that no funds from the Travancore Devaswom Board or the government should be used. It also ordered that a transparent account be maintained for every rupee received and spent, and that audited financial statements be submitted to the Sabarimala Special Commissioner within 45 days after the event.

Gold-plating issue affected Board's plans
However, soon after the Ayyappa Summit, a controversy related to a gold-plating issue affected the Board’s plans. The Board had spent Rs 4 crore from its funds, hoping to secure sponsors later. Due to the controversy, it failed to attract sponsors. The term of the then Devaswom Board was also not extended.

On the 44th day after the event, the Board sought more time from Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan to submit the accounts. The court first granted two months’ time and later gave an additional 30 days, warning that strict action would be taken if the accounts were not submitted. The financial statement was finally submitted just one day before the extended deadline ended.