Lakhs in Currency Notes Found Dumped with Garbage in Sabarimala Treasury
Pathanamthitta: In a shocking revelation, currency notes worth lakhs of rupees were discovered mixed with garbage inside the Sabarimala Devaswom treasury, raising serious concerns over mismanagement and negligence. The unaccounted offerings, comprising bundles of notes and coins placed in over 200 baskets, were found during routine activities following the reopening of the Sabarimala temple on April 1 for the Uttram festival and the Medamasa-Vishu pujas.
According to sources, the decomposed currency notes are believed to be offerings made during the Makaravilakku festival and the months of Kumbham and Meenam. Alarmingly, The notes found in a decomposed state along with the garbage were not counted until the 7th after the temple was opened for the festival
The Travancore Devaswom Board Employees' Association General Secretary, Sreekumar G., has filed an official complaint with the President of the Travancore Devaswom Board. He called for immediate action and an investigation by the Devaswom Vigilance department. However, despite the seriousness of the matter, the board has reportedly taken no steps to initiate a probe.
The Employees' Association has pointed fingers at the special officers who were in charge of the Bhandaram (treasury) from the Makaravilakku period to Medam, holding them responsible for the mishandling of the offerings.
There are growing suspicions that the Devaswom authorities may be attempting to downplay the issue by claiming the notes were merely water-damaged. Critics argue that even if the notes were damaged, proper protocol demands they be sent to Thiruvananthapuram and handed over to the State Bank for assessment and possible conversion into usable cash — a step that has yet to be taken.
The incident raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of devotees' offerings at one of the most revered temples in South India.