Just weeks after the shocking Sabarimala gold theft sent shockwaves through Kerala, another financial scandal has emerged from the same revered shrine. This time, it’s not about stolen idols—but about allegedly misused funds from something as mundane yet essential as ghee. The Kerala High Court has now ordered a full-fledged vigilance probe into what’s being dubbed the “Sabarimala ghee scam,” involving the suspicious diversion of over **Rs 35 lakh** meant for temple coffers.
The court’s directive is a direct response to mounting evidence of discrepancies in how revenue from the sale of leftover ritual ghee was handled. For millions of devotees who contribute to the temple’s operations—often with deep spiritual intent—this news is not just a financial irregularity; it’s a breach of sacred trust.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Sabarimala Ghee Scam?
- How the Scam Came to Light
- Kerala HC Orders Vigilance Probe: Key Directives
- Is This Linked to the Recent Gold Theft?
- Temple Administration Under Scrutiny
- Public and Devotee Reaction
- What Happens Next?
- Conclusion: Accountability at a Sacred Site
- Sources
What Is the Sabarimala Ghee Scam?
Every year, thousands of liters of ghee (clarified butter) are offered by devotees at the Sabarimala temple as part of rituals. After ceremonies, the unused or leftover ghee is collected, repackaged into small packets, and sold to pilgrims as prasadam (blessed offering). The proceeds from these sales are supposed to be remitted directly to the temple’s official accounts under the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine .
The Sabarimala ghee scam centers on allegations that this revenue—amounting to at least **Rs 35.38 lakh**—was never properly deposited. Instead, investigators suspect the funds were siphoned off through unofficial channels or unaccounted transactions, bypassing formal treasury protocols.
How the Scam Came to Light
The irregularity was uncovered during an internal audit prompted by growing concerns over financial transparency at the temple. A detailed report submitted to authorities revealed glaring mismatches between the volume of ghee sold and the money credited to the temple’s account. Despite records showing large-scale sales, the corresponding cash inflows were either missing or significantly lower than expected .
This discrepancy triggered alarm bells, leading to a formal petition before the Kerala High Court, which swiftly recognized the gravity of the situation.
Kerala HC Orders Vigilance Probe: Key Directives
In a decisive move, the Kerala High Court has directed the state’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to:
- Register a formal crime based on the audit findings.
- Constitute a dedicated investigation team under the Vigilance Director.
- Submit a progress report within one month, ensuring swift accountability .
The court emphasized that any misuse of funds collected in the name of religious offerings constitutes a serious breach of public trust and must be treated with utmost urgency.
Is This Linked to the Recent Gold Theft?
While there’s no confirmed connection yet, the timing is deeply suspicious. The Sabarimala ghee scam surfaced just after the high-profile theft of gold ornaments worth crores from the temple’s vaults. Both incidents point to systemic vulnerabilities in the temple’s financial and security oversight. Critics argue that these aren’t isolated events but symptoms of deeper administrative rot within the TDB .
Temple Administration Under Scrutiny
The Travancore Devaswom Board, already under fire for its handling of the gold theft, now faces renewed calls for reform. Questions are being raised about who authorized the ghee sales, who handled the cash, and why internal controls failed so spectacularly. Opposition parties and civil society groups are demanding the resignation of top TDB officials and the appointment of an independent ombudsman to oversee temple finances going forward .
Public and Devotee Reaction
Devotees across Kerala and beyond have expressed outrage and heartbreak. For many, contributing to Sabarimala isn’t just a transaction—it’s an act of faith. The idea that their offerings could be exploited for personal gain has sparked widespread anger on social media and in local communities. Trust, once broken in a sacred space, is incredibly hard to rebuild.
What Happens Next?
The VACB’s investigation will likely focus on bank records, sales ledgers, and testimonies from temple staff involved in the ghee packaging and sales process. If wrongdoing is proven, criminal charges—including cheating, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust—could be filed against those responsible. Additionally, the state government may initiate a broader audit of all revenue streams at major temples under its control.
Conclusion: Accountability at a Sacred Site
The Sabarimala ghee scam is more than a financial fraud—it’s a crisis of faith. As the Kerala High Court pushes for transparency, the real test will be whether systemic reforms follow the headlines. Millions of devotees deserve to know that their offerings are protected with the same reverence they are given. In the end, justice isn’t just about recovering Rs 35 lakh—it’s about restoring the sanctity of one of India’s most beloved pilgrimage sites.
Sources
[1] Times of India: After Sabarimala gold theft, Rs 35L ‘ghee scam’ under lens. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/hc-orders-vigilance-probe-into-sabarimala-ghee-sale-fund-misappropriation/articleshow/126509916.cms
[2] Web Search Results on Sabarimala temple administration, Travancore Devaswom Board structure, and previous financial controversies.