Decades of Discrepancies: Guruvayur Temple’s Missing Treasures
An internal audit of Kerala’s revered Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple has exposed alarming lapses in the verification of gold, ivory, and precious donations, with some items untraceable for nearly 40 years. The confidential report, accessed by NextMinuteNews, reveals systemic failures in asset management at one of India’s richest shrines.
Key Findings: What’s Missing?
The temple, a recipient of lavish devotee offerings, faces scrutiny over unverified valuables:
1. Ivory Artifacts Vanished: Intricate ivory carvings and tusks, last documented in the 1980s, lack current records—coinciding with India’s ivory trade ban.
2. Gold Donations Mismatched: Discrepancies in gold ornament weights suggest possible theft or mismanagement.
3. Incomplete Donation Logs: Precious stones and silver items lack proper documentation, leaving their status unclear.
Why Were Assets Unchecked for 40 Years?
The temple’s administration (under Travancore Devaswom Board) blames:
– Legal Gray Areas: The 1972 Wildlife Protection Act complicated ivory storage/disposal.
– Outdated Systems: Manual record-keeping delayed audits; digital tracking was never implemented.
Critics, however, allege bureaucratic negligence and potential cover-ups.
Public Backlash & Demands
Devotees and activists are rallying for:
– A high-level probe into possible misappropriation.
– Blockchain-based inventory for real-time tracking.
– Accountability for past/present administrators.
Temple’s Defense
Guruvayur Devaswom denies wrongdoing, citing “procedural delays” and pledging a digital inventory drive.
Legal & Next Steps
- Kerala High Court has taken suo motu notice.
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) may audit heritage assets.
Conclusion: A Test of Transparency
As millions continue donating, the temple’s credibility hinges on swift action. Will authorities recover the missing treasures—or will this join India’s long list of unresolved scandals?
Stay updated with NextMinuteNews.
