Southern Gods get richer by Rs 1.98 cr

COIMBATORE: Gods have always been rich. And, they continue to get enriched. Presently, it''s the turn of four Southern Gods to make news.
Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala also known as Hari Hara Sudhan needs no introduction. Seated inside the jungles of Western Ghats though this celibate has been attracting lakhs of devotees every year. Being the prince of Pandalam (Pandala Rajakumaran), he has everything at his beck and call including some of the most valued jewels in the world.
He''s now richer by another Rs 38 lakhs when a devotee presented him with a crown made of 22 kt gold weighing 1050 grams studded with an impressive array of 77 ct handpicked diamonds.Alongside, he was also presented with a lotus mala made of 600 grams gold studded with diamonds and rubies.
Murugan - the estranged son of Lord Siva and Parvathi – is indeed famous in the South. Mythology has it that he made Palani Hills his abode following a quarrel with his elder brother, Vinayaka. He''s also known as Arumugam (the six faced one), probably, because, he has six abodes, namely, Thiruchendur, Palani, Thiruppuramkundram, Thiruttani and Palamudir Solai - better known as Aaru Padai Veedu – located in various parts of Tamil Nadu.
Today, his abode at Thiruchendur, near Kanyakumari, is richer by Rs 87 lakhs when a devotee presented him with a crown made of 22 kt gold weighing 4,050 grams studded with 180-ct diamonds excellent in quality and craftsmanship.
Everyone knows Tirupati Balaji – the richest God of India. But, not many know Goddess Padmavati Ammal – His estranged wife. According to Brahma Purana, She was married to Balaji in the beginning of Kaliyuga. However, the couple soon fell out and Padmavati moved over to Thiruchennur a few kilometers from Tirumala.
Padmavathi''s stake has now gone up by a sum of Rs 35 lakhs when a devotee presented Her with a ''kadhabaranam'' made of 22 kt gold weighing 800 grams studded with 79 ct handpicked diamonds.
Who doesn''t know Goddess Saradambal of Sringeri? Today, She''s richer in the form of an armlet and a crown that cost Rs38 lakhs! The armlet made of 22 kt gold weighs 519 grams and is studded with 13.13-ct diamonds while the crown is made of 22 kt gold weighing 1982 grams studded with 79.35 ct of best quality diamonds.
Rajnikant B Karia General Manager Kirtilal Kalidas & Co where the ornaments were crafted totaling to a staggering sum of Rs 1.98 crore told The Times of India that they''ve already reached the respective temples.
Revealing the names of the devotees who made such costly presents, Rajnikant said while Sringeri Mutt ordered jewels for Sri Saradambal, the crown of Thiruchendur Murugan was ordered by Ramco Group. "I can''t reveal the names of other devotees. They would like to remain anonymous", he said.