13 "Panchaloha Idols" unearthed from private land: Idols are three feet tall

While digging in a private land belongs to a School Headmaster, the workers found 13 "Panchaloha Idols" in the famous pilgrim centre velankanni in Nagapatinam district.

Official sources said the idols, two to three-feet tall, included those of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka (Lord Ganesh) and other deities.

A few decorative items were also unearthed along with the idols, the sources added.

The land belonged to a headmaster of a primary school from where the 'panchaloha' (alloy of five metals) idols were recovered.

Revenue officials were called after workers heard a metallic sound while digging for construction works there.

Nagapattinam District Collector C Munianathan said the district administration had informed the archaeological department about the idols.

Mr Munianathan further said 13 'panchaloha' idols and 86 copper plates were unearthed three months back while renovation works were undertaken at Kamakshi Amman Samedha Kailasanathar temple at Kazhukkanimuttam village near Mayiladuthurai.

- Asian Tribune -