Archive · 19 Jan 2026
VSSC confirms gold shortage in Sabarimala temple artefacts
Scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) found that some important golden items in the Sabarimala temple are missing a lot of gold.
They compared the gold layers from 1998 to the current layers and found a big difference.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) thinks someone might have taken the old gold and replaced it with new, less gold.
They also suspect that an international group might be involved in this.
The report will be given to the High Court soon to help find out what happened.
VSSC confirmed a significant shortage of gold in Sabarimala temple artefacts, including Dwarapalaka sculptures and Sreekovil door frames.
The report compared gold layers from 1998 to current layers, revealing a major discrepancy.
SIT suspects the original gold layers were removed and replaced with less-gold-plated replicas.
The report was submitted to the Kollam Vigilance Court and will be presented to the High Court on Monday.
There is a suspicion of involvement by an international antique smuggling mafia in the gold loot.
- Who
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- What
- Gold shortage in Sabarimala temple artefacts
- When
- Current examination in 2019, initial plating in 1998
- Where
- Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Kollam Vigilance Court, High Court
- Why
- To determine the discrepancy in gold plating and potential looting
- Organization Conducting Tests
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
- Artifacts Examined
- Dwarapalaka sculptures, Sreekovil door frames
- Initial Gold Plating Year
- 1998
- Current Year of Examination
- 2019
- Report Submission Date to High Court
- Monday
- Number of Samples Examined
- 15
- Suspected Involvement
- International antique smuggling mafia
