Gold-clad plates on Dwarapalaka sculptures reinstalled, Sabarimala temple reopens for Thulam month puja

PATHANAMTHITTA: Amid ongoing controversies, the gold-clad plates on the Dwarapalaka sculptures at Sabarimala have been reinstalled. The restoration was completed soon after the temple’s Thulam month rituals began with the opening of the sanctum doors this evening. Normally, the doors open at 5 p.m., but today they were opened early at 4 p.m. to carry out the reinstallation of the gold-clad plates. The gold plates, which had been kept securely in the strong room, were brought out after preparing a detailed mahazar.

Following traditional rituals, the plates were installed on both sides of the Dwarapalaka sculptures in front of the sanctum. The work began on the right-side sculpture and was then completed on the left side. In total, 14 gold plates were fixed.

Due to the controversy surrounding the gold plating, the entire process was carried out under strict court supervision. The Tantri, Melshanthi, and Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth were all present at the Sannidhanam during the installation.

Meanwhile, the lot-drawing ceremony to select the Melshanthis for Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples will be held on Saturday morning at the Sannidhanam. Kashyap Varma from the Pandalam royal family will draw the lot for the Sabarimala Melshanthi, and Maithili K. Varma will draw for the Malikappuram Melshanthi.

President Droupadi Murmu will visit Sabarimala on the final day of the Thulam month rituals (October 22). On that day, devotee entry will be restricted for security reasons.