Udupi: Antique Panchaloha Idols Found Hidden in Hilly Terrain

Pics: Inchara Digitals
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Aug 6: Two Panchaloha (alloy of five metals) idols were recovered from a drain in the hilly region of Paiyar located on the border between Belapu and Kalattur villages near Kaup, a little distance away from Lord Ranganatha Swamy temple on Friday August 5.

The idols were lifted out of the the drain in the presence of Vedamurty Kenja Sridhar Tantry and Shirva police on Friday morning. It is suspected that the idol thieves had hidden the idols there for future disposal.

One of the idols happens to be that of a serpent god with a hood with five heads, while the other appears to be that of Lord Srinivasa or Ammanavaru (Goddess Sridevi), the religious leaders said. However, people having knowledge of history said this could be the Bali Murty (miniature idols used for processions etc) of Lord Vishnumurty, which used to be widely worshipped during the era of Vijayarana empire.  The total value of the idols has been estimated at around Rs 50 lac by expert archaeologists.

When one of the personnel of Shirva police station was making enquiries relating to a case of assault a couple of days back in Sooryanagar area, some locals told him that they suspect frequent visits by unidentified people and vehicle to a spot near there at night. The Shirva police started combing the area on Thursday evening with the help of locals having good knowledge of the terrain. During the search operation, they recovered the idols. The operation of bringing the idols out was postponed to Friday, as it was felt that it would be better to consult religious experts in the matter.

The idol of the serpent god weighs around three kgs, while the other idol weighs about 11 kgs, it is gathered. The policemen are continuing with the investigation. K R Nayak, station house officer of Shirva, has been guiding the investigation.