“Gold & Silver Lizard Idols Reportedly Missing From HR&CE-Administered Varadharaja Perumal Temple In Kanchipuram?”, The Commune, November 06, 2025
“The renowned Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, also known as the Devaraja Swami Temple or Athi Varadhar Temple, has come under scrutiny after a complaint was filed alleging the disappearance of its famous gold and silver lizard (palli) idols. The idol theft prevention Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police has launched an official investigation into the matter.
The temple, one of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams, is among the most revered shrines in Tamil Nadu, attracting thousands of devotees daily. The gold and silver lizard idols inside the temple are particularly popular, with devotees believing that touching them brings relief from astrological afflictions associated with the Sun and Moon.
Due to decades of wear caused by constant public contact, the temple administration had recently begun renovation and restoration work in the area housing the lizard idols. The administration stated that the old idols were temporarily relocated as part of the renovation and that new gold and silver idols were being prepared for installation……..”
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