Ezhava community leader and SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan has stirred a major controversy in Kerala by alleging that secret groups operating within Devaswom-managed temples are extorting money from wealthy devotees. His remarks have intensified public debate over corruption, mismanagement, and the need for transparency in temple administration across the state. Natesan claimed that some Devaswom employees and middlemen are part of these groups, exploiting devotees under the guise of temple operations. Although he did not name specific temples or officials, he emphasized that such practices have become widespread and reflect deep-rooted flaws in the Devaswom system.
His allegations come at a time when the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is already under scrutiny for the controversial gold-plating of idols at the Sabarimala Temple. The Kerala High Court recently intervened after a gold-plated Dwarapalaka pedestal, reportedly missing from the shrine, was found at a businessman’s residence. This revelation sparked outrage among devotees and opposition leaders, with many demanding an independent probe. The businessman, Unnikrishnan Potty, had funded the gold-plating project and moved the idols to Chennai in 2019, raising questions about accountability and the handling of temple assets.
Writing in Yoganadam, the official publication of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Natesan criticized the Devaswom Boards for being politically controlled rather than spiritually driven. He argued that although the boards are legally autonomous, their top officials are often appointed by ruling governments, which results in political interference. He further asserted that “mismanagement is happening more under the Devaswom administration than good deeds,” adding that government intervention in temple affairs contradicts the principles of secular governance.
Natesan also raised serious concerns about the lack of proper auditing and financial transparency in many high-revenue temples such as Sabarimala, Guruvayoor, Chottanikkara, Eattumanoor, Vaikom, and Tripunithura. Citing examples, he alleged that even gold offerings donated by prominent figures like Vijay Mallya were unaccounted for, underscoring the need for a complete audit and professional management system for temple assets. His editorial ended with a strong appeal to end government interference in temple matters and restore integrity to Devaswom administration.
The political fallout from his remarks has been immediate. UDF convenor Adoor Prakash demanded a central agency probe into the Sabarimala gold-plating scandal, asserting that only a thorough investigation could reveal whether Devaswom officials were complicit in the alleged looting. He rejected the idea of a state-level probe, suggesting that it would not be impartial. Responding to the growing outrage, the Travancore Devaswom Board announced plans to request the Kerala High Court to oversee a comprehensive investigation into gold shortages reported since 1998.
Meanwhile, both the Congress and the BJP have echoed calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, arguing that only an independent inquiry could uncover the truth behind the alleged corruption and restore public faith in temple management. The controversy has reignited a larger conversation in Kerala about the autonomy of religious institutions, political patronage, and the balance between faith, governance, and transparency.
