Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | A gold piece part of the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa was reported missing but was traced within hours at the Valiyakoikkal Sri Dharma Sastha Temple at Pandalam here on Wednesday, police said.

The Valiyakoikkal temple is the family temple of the Pandalam royal family, which preserves the Thiruvabharanam (sacred gold ornaments) of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa.

The ornaments are taken out of the palace during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season to adorn the deity and are also used for poojas at the Valiyakoikkal temple on Vishu day.

During the rituals, devotees are allowed to hold the Kaniponnu, a coin-like ornament, for a few seconds at the temple.

According to officials at the Pandalam police station, temple authorities reported the Kaniponnu missing following the rituals.

Police said an investigation was immediately launched and that CCTV footage was examined, which revealed that a person had held the Kaniponnu and later kept it in his pocket.

The individual was soon identified and contacted by the police.

Police said the Mulakuzha native was unaware of the ritual and assumed that the Kaniponnu was given as Vishukkaineetam, a customary gift of money on Vishu.

Police said the missing Kaniponnu has been recovered and handed over to temple authorities.

Officials added that the devotee's statement would be recorded, and further investigation would be carried out to ascertain whether there was any ill intent in taking the ornament home.