The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) conducted an inspection of the roof of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple following reports of discolouration on the gold-plated roof of the sanctum sanctorum.

The discolouration, noticed on the upper portion of the gold-clad structure, had triggered speculation that a chemical substance might have been poured over the roof. Given the sensitivity of the issue, senior officials, including the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, visited the temple and carried out a detailed inspection of the affected portions.

Preliminary assessments indicated that the substance that flowed over the roof was most likely ghee. Officials believe the discolouration may have been caused by ghee offered by devotees coming into contact with the gold-plated surface.

Checks under way

A TDB official sought to allay concerns over any deliberate attempt to damage or discolour the roof. ”An inspection has confirmed that it was not any chemical substance. Further examinations are under way,” he said.

Officials, however, said further inquiries are being carried out to ascertain the exact circumstances under which the liquid came into contact with the gold covering. The matter is being examined with due seriousness, considering the significance of the gold-plated Sreekovil in the Sabarimala pilgrimage tradition.

The temple is currently open for the monthly puja and is scheduled to close on June 19, 2026.

The development comes close on the heels of an inspection carried out at the Sannidhanam by the special investigation team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case.