A metal idol of saint Manikkavasagar was discovered at the premises of the Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvilayattam, triggering interest among local residents and calls for an archaeological examination.
The Annamalaiyar Temple, located on Melatheru Street in Thiruvilayattam village under Tarangambadi taluk of Mayiladuthurai district, is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The temple is currently in a dilapidated condition, with only one daily pooja being performed.
Repair work was underway to fix the pedestal beneath the Vinayagar idol situated at the front of the temple. During the excavation of soil near the Vinayagar idol, workers unearthed a one-foot-tall metal idol of Manikkavasagar, one of the four prominent Shaiva saints known as the Nalvar.
Upon receiving information, Thiruvilayattam Village Administrative Officer (VAO) Parthiban rushed to the spot, took custody of the idol, and handed it over to the Tarangambadi Taluk Office for safekeeping.
Before it was taken away, local residents gathered to view the idol and urged authorities to conduct a detailed study to determine its age, the type of metal used, and how it came to be buried at the temple site. Following the discovery, officials from the revenue department and the police have initiated an inquiry, while residents have called for the involvement of the Archaeology Department to examine the find.
Source: Dinamalar
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