Golden Goddess in Disguise

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Off pedestal after gold 'blessing'

Oct. 3rd, 2007

 

She was there for all to see and pray. Then, one day, she

suddenly turned rich and disappeared.

 

A 300-year-old statue of Kali, thought for generations to be

made of ordinary metal, turned out to be of solid gold.

Craftsmen giving it a makeover made the discovery. Some

preferred to call it a blessing, disguised for centuries.

 

The idol, from a village temple near the famous hill shrine

of Palani, looked like any other statue because of its old and

dusty surface and lack of sheen. It was believed that the

statue was made of panchadhatu, an alloy of five metals.

 

Realising that the gold was a potential security risk, the

temple's trustees have decided to keep it in a bank locker,

robbing countless devotees of their darshan. It will be

brought to the temple only on important occasions.

 

The 1.5-foot tall statue, which weighs a little more than 8kg,

is estimated to be worth Rs 7.5 crore. The temple authorities

have also asked for police protection.

 

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071004/asp/nation/story_8394631.asp

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http://tinyurl.com/2t3arq