Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Sabarimala Gold Case: Scientific Examination Conducted by SIT
Police and science experts are going to Sabarimala temple to check some golden decorations on statues.
This is part of an investigation because some gold went missing in 2019.
They need to weigh the golden parts, test the gold's quality, and take tiny samples.
The court wants this done to find out exactly how much gold is gone.
However, the head priest said they should wait until after some special prayers and the main meal offering are finished on Monday afternoon before they start the science tests.
The SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold case reached the hill shrine on Sunday for scientific examination.
Forensic experts, including chemical analysts, will join the police team for the procedure.
The scientific test will be conducted on Monday after 1 PM, following Deva Anujna rituals and Ucha Pooja, as suggested by the Thanthri.
The court directed the SIT to weigh the Dwarapalaka idol plates and side pillar plates, assess gold cladding, and collect samples for scientific analysis.
The examination aims to determine the extent of gold loss reported in 2019.
- Who
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DySP S Sasidharan, forensic experts, chemical analysts, Thanthri (Chief Priest), Kerala High Court
- What
- Conducting a scientific examination of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates and side pillar plates as part of the investigation into the disappearance of gold from Sabarimala temple.
- When
- The examination is scheduled for Monday (November 16th), after 1 PM, following specific temple rituals.
- Where
- Sannidhanam at the Sabarimala hill shrine in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
- Why
- To determine the extent of gold loss reported in 2019 by assessing the purity and quality of gold cladding and weighing the idol plates.
Court and Investigation Team
Temple Priests (Thanthri)
Timing of Scientific Examination
Court and Investigation Team
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Kerala High Court pushed for the scientific examination to be conducted promptly, even suggesting it be completed before the pilgrimage season begins on November 15.
Temple Priests (Thanthri)
The Thanthri (Chief Priest) suggested that the scientific examination should be conducted only after the Deva Anujna (divine permission) rituals and after the temple's main prayer (Ucha Pooja) and closure at 1 PM on Monday.
- Investigation Team
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DySP S Sasidharan
- Purpose of Examination
- To scientifically examine Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates and side pillar plates to determine gold loss.
- Scheduled Examination Date
- Monday (November 16th, based on context)
- Key Tests
- Weighing plates, assessing gold plating purity and quality, measuring surface area, collecting copper samples, electrical conductivity, spectroscopic, and microstructure examinations.
- Location
- Sannidhanam, Sabarimala hill shrine
- Rituals Preceding Examination
- Deva Anujna rituals and Ucha Pooja
Sources
Sabarimala gold heist casts shadow as new Travancore Devaswom Board takes charge
Gold heist probe overshadows induction of new Travancore Devaswom Board
All Set for Mandala Pilgrimage Season that Begins on Nov 17 in Sabarimala
All set for mandala pilgrimage season that begins on November 17 in Sabarimala
