Kumbakonam (TN), June 27: Three panchaloha idols of ancient Chola period (6th century), worth about several lakhs of rupees, were unearthed at the Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple at Tirunalur village, about 10-kms from here, last evening. Temple officials said the villagers were involved in digging earth to construct "homakundams" and "yagasala" at the temple complex for performing consecration of the temple, scheduled for July 2, when the 12 inch idols of Sri Varadharaja Perumal and Sri Devi and nine-inch idol of Boomadevi were found. The villagers, temple officials said, have decided to install the idols at the "sannidanam" (sanctum sanctorum) of the main diety on July 2. The villagers have also requested the district collector for installing the idols and conducting pooja. The temple has been renovated at a cost of Rs 10 lakh.

Bureau Report