A significant financial and administrative lapse has rocked the famed Sabarimala temple in Kerala, with authorities reporting that ghee, a sacred offering, worth approximately Rs 16 lakh has gone missing. The discovery was made during the ongoing pilgrimage season, casting a shadow over the management of temple affairs.
Details of the Irregularity Emerge
The fresh irregularity pertains specifically to the sale of ghee prasada in packets to devotees through the temple's official counters. Preliminary investigations suggest a discrepancy between the recorded stock of ghee meant for packaging and the actual sales or distribution. This is not an isolated incident but points to a potential systemic issue in the handling of temple offerings during the busy pilgrimage period.
The matter came to light through internal audits and checks. Temple authorities, upon noticing the shortfall, immediately flagged the issue, leading to the formal launch of a probe. The investigation aims to trace the entire supply chain—from procurement and storage to packaging and final sale—to identify where the valuable commodity was diverted.
Probe Underway to Uncover the Truth
An official investigation is now actively underway to determine the circumstances behind the missing ghee. The probe will scrutinize records, question staff involved in the prasada counter operations, and examine logistical procedures. The focus is on whether the discrepancy is a result of clerical errors, mismanagement, or deliberate malpractice.
The incident, reported on 06 January 2026, has raised serious questions about accountability and transparency in the management of one of India's most prominent pilgrimage sites. Devotees and oversight bodies are demanding a swift and thorough investigation to ensure the sanctity and integrity of temple rituals and offerings are upheld.
Implications and Temple Management
This event has broader implications for the administration of the Sabarimala temple. It underscores the challenges in managing the enormous volume of offerings and funds, especially during peak seasons like the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage. Ensuring that every rupee and every offering from devotees is accounted for is paramount to maintaining public trust.
The temple authorities are expected to review and tighten their internal control mechanisms. The outcome of the probe could lead to significant procedural overhauls to prevent such incidents in the future. For now, the priority remains uncovering the facts behind the missing ghee worth Rs 16 lakh and taking appropriate action against those responsible.
