P. Sarojini
Chennai, India (CWBN)_ During the reconstruction work of a Lord Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, villagers found ancient gold underneath the steps near the entrance to the sanctorum on Sunday, and the gold was confiscated by the authorities and placed with the government treasury, amidst of the locals boycotting against this issue, a report from officials stated.
A few days ago, the villagers themselves took up the renovation work of the Lord Shiva temple. During the work, gold items weighing more than half a kg were found. After collecting information about the treasure found in the temple, the officials entered the temple, wanting to hand over the gold to the concerned authorities.
The officials reported that the devotees and villagers refused to give the gold to the authorities because on completion of the renovation, they intend to replace the gold again at the same site. But the authorities were stubborn in taking it away from the temple.
The talk went on between the villagers and the authorities. But when talks failed, officials sent a sufficient number of police officers to the village and confiscated the gold in the middle of the discussions. They placed the gold in a box and locked it and sealed it before taking it away.
The villagers informed that the ancient Lord Shiva temple belongs to the Chola period. They said, “Placing some gold beneath the temple steps is considered auspicious and this practice dates back to times immemorial”. The villagers argued that the gold belonged to the shrine and the temple, and the authorities have no right to confiscate or take it away. The villagers blocked the policemen and officials and refused to surrender the gold to them.
Revenue Divisional Officer Vidya was asked if the product was checked and confirmed. She replied, “it looked like gold”. She added that a full examination of the weight and form of the gold could not be carried out because of the protest by the residents. She informed, “The gold has been deposited with the treasury”. She said, referring to a query and at the suggestion of the people, that they decided to replace it in the temple again.
A police officer said that as per the information, the gold weighed approximately 565 grams, and the government revenue authorities will determine whether or not to return the gold to the temple.
