North India Statesman
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Thiruvananthapuram: The biggest center of the faith of crores of Hindus … The abode of Lord Ayyapa where millions of devotees from all over the world come to bow their heads … Sabarimala Temple! This temple is known for its beliefs and difficult journey, as much as its wealth and shan-o-shaukat.
But nowadays this temple is in the headlines due to a big controversy. A news has come out which has shocked from devotees to administration – gold has disappeared from the treasury of the temple! This revelation has once again made the treasury of the temple a topic of discussion.
What is the whole secret of this ‘gold disappearing’?
This shocking disclosure has been made from a report by the country’s largest audit agency, i.e. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). When CAG examined the accounts and treasures of the temple, a surprising thing came to light.
- 817 grams of gold less: According to the report, the ‘Strong Room’ of the temple (where gold-silver and precious items are kept to God) 817 grams gold Has been found less.
- When did all this happen?: This disturbance is said to be between 2011 and 2019.
- Silver plates also missing: Not only this, some valuable plates of silver have also been disappeared from the temple.
This news was stirred as soon as this news came to light. The Travancore Devsam Board (TDB), who watched the temple management, has now ordered an inquiry into the case, to find out who and how this treasure of faith has damaged.
After all, how rich is the Sabarimala temple? (You will be shocked to know the figures!)
This ‘missing’ gold is like cumin in the camel’s mouth, because this temple of Lord Ayyappa is one of the wealthiest temples in South India. Every year there is so much offering that you will forget to count.
Annual Income: During the ‘Makarvilakku’ festival alone, the temple earns more than Rs 350 crore. It is also difficult to estimate the entire year’s earnings.
Treasury stored in banks: Thousands of kg of gold (fixed deposits) are deposited in thousands of kg of gold and banks in banks. According to an estimate, more than Rs 1000 crore cash and gold in banks near the temple is safe.
Mountains of wealth: Every year the weighs of coins in the offerings are so high that it takes months and dozens of machines to count them.
The main source of the income of this temple is the donation, offering and income from various worships given by the devotees. This wealth of faith is made one of the wealthiest religious places in India.
While this dispute raises serious questions on the temple management, on the other hand it also shows the unwavering faith and dedication of people towards Lord Ayyapa.
