Sun Sep 21 16:07:39 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Repaired Sabarimala Temple Guardian Plates Returned Amid Controversy
**Pathanamthitta, September 21, 2025 (The Hindu) -** The gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian) idols at the Sabarimala temple have been returned after repairs in Chennai, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) announced Sunday. This follows a controversy sparked by the Kerala High Court, which discovered the plates had been removed and transported without the court’s authorization.
The High Court had previously flagged discrepancies in the recorded weight of the idols, prompting a Vigilance probe. Records indicated a weight of 42.8 kg upon removal for gold-plating in 2019, yet the plates weighed only 38.258 kg when presented for repair. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has launched a preliminary investigation into the matter.
TDB officials stated the plates were returned Sunday following the completion of repairs. Reinstallation will proceed with the consent of the Tantri (chief priest) and the High Court will be informed of the plates return.
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