Kochi, Feb. 14 -- The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has issued a comprehensive clarification dismissing as "baseless and painful" media reports regarding the audit of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam held in September 2025. The Board clarified that the alleged Rs.1 lakh expenditure on a specific cot for the Chief Minister is entirely false.

The reported amount of Rs.3,83,439 was actually an estimate for general furniture and miscellaneous upgrades at the Pamba Guest House, which serves various high-profile dignitaries, including Union Ministers and Judges. All such purchases remain the permanent property of the Devaswom Board.

Regarding the controversy over cultural programs, the board explained that while Nandagovindam Bhajans was initial...