15 idols vandalized in temple near Thuraiyur

Trichy: Around 15 stucco idols depicting various deities were vandalized at the Arulmigu Kasi Viswanathar Temple near Thuraiyur on Wednesday.Police said the damaged idols were installed at the entrance mandapam of the temple, which comes under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. Upon seeing the idols vandalised, temple executive officer K Rajagopal lodged a complaint with the Thuraiyur police. In his complaint, the executive officer detailed the vandalised sculptures that included idols of Agathiyar, Kasi Viswanathar (seated on a throne), an archaka (priest), a parisaraka (attendant), Yama Raja, two lingams, two rishabams (bulls), Kannappa Nayanar, two kinkaras (demons), and two Easwaran figures. The consecration ceremony for the temple, believed to be centuries old, was held in 2024. Police officials visited the spot and conducted an inquiry. Further investigation is underway.