"You are never lost when you can see the temple": 1071-year-old Perumal temple near Kanchipuram had gone missing ~ Former Idol Wing CID IG Pon Manickavel, claims that the temple stolen 40 years ago & HRCE hiding it without informing the Govt

Retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ponn Manickavel, who was also the former Inspector General of the Idol Wing, has filed a complaint with the Baluchettichattiram police, alleging that an ancient Perumal temple near Kanchipuram, has gone missing.
Ponn Manickavel stated in his complaint that there was a 1,071-year-old Nindru Arulina Uyya Konda Azhwar Perumal Temple between Govindawadi and Tirumalpur which apparently disappeared 40 years ago.
|
It was reportedly kept off the radar of the government for more than 30-40 years after the idols were stolen. According to Ponn Manickavel’s complaint, no information about the temple theft was reported to the police as well.
Addressing reporters after filing the complaint, Ponn Manickavel said that this temple was not even known to the Archeology Survey of India. He said that 40 years ago people of Govindawadi area used to worship in this temple every day.
It is regrettable that the temple was completely stolen and disappeared without the knowledge of even the Vaishnava Archakas, he said.
He further said, “Nindru Arulina Perumal Uyya Konda Azhwar temple was extensively built during the reign of Parantaka Chozhan as evidenced by the temple inscription.
|
In 1906, European epigraphists discovered and documented the inscriptions related to this temple. The inscription also stated that the lamp was donated by one Amanima Deviyaar, a Chozha queen who hailed from the Pandyan nation. This culturally significant inscription has now vanished.”
Another Chozha empress hailing from Kunnathur had also donated a lamp to the temple. Four inscriptions about Rajaraja Chozhan and his brother Aditha Karikalan is said to have been there.
He stated that at the time when the Manikandeswarar Temple in Tirumalpur area was renovated by the Nattukottai Chettiars, this Azhwar Perumal temple here in Kanchipuram was also renovated.
It is also stated that this temple received a donation of Hanuman idol and for singing Nammalwar Prabandham by then kings. The Hanuman idol that was given has also vanished Ponn Manickavel said.
Highlighting the government’s laxity, he said “For 40 years, no First Information Report (FIR) was made regarding the stolen information. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has acted in favour of the perpetrators by not punishing the true criminals in accordance with the law.”
References:
Support Us
Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.
While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| ICICI Bank of Satyaagrah | Razorpay Bank of Satyaagrah | PayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments |
If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:
Please share the article on other platforms
DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.
Related Articles
- "You are never lost when you can see the temple": In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Hanuman on this hill between Bhongir and Raigiri
- Hindu side filed reply in Supreme Court: 'Gyanvapi property belonged to Lord Adi Vishweshwar since time immemorial, even before the Islamic rule in India, and hence cannot be handed to anybody'
- "धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित": Badrinath-Kedarnath panel bans non-Hindus from 48 temples citing Sanatan Dharma over civil rights, echoing strict norms that famously barred Indira and Sonia Gandhi from sacred shrines
- Jamia Masjid in Srirangapatna is actually an ancient Anjaneya Hanuman temple that was captured and converted into Masjid by Tipu Sultan: Claims activists and seek permission to worship inside the mosque
- "Structure was a 700-year-old Machindranath temple": Thane's Haji Malang Dargah sees Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde reassert a historic pledge for its liberation, amid long-standing disputes dating back to the 18th century regarding its Brahmin management
- DMK Govt’s move to take over the Ayodhya mandapam using Tamil Nadu HRCE department failed utterly after Madras HC set aside the order: Dravidianists had a meltdown over a win for Hindus
- "Every experience is an opportunity to encounter the Divine": Manikaran Shiva Temple, Parvati Ghati, Himachal Pradesh, India where you can witness hot water springs and the temperature varies from 45° to 60° that is used for boiling rice as a Prasadam
- Renowned Archaeologist KK Mohammed confirms, '27 temples were demolished to build Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi, hiding truth is a mistake': Remnants of temples, Lord Ganesha temple found
- "Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible": Kankaleshwar Mandir of Beed is a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture surrounded by water on all sides dedicated to Mahadev, built by Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI
- Malaysia and Singapore are allowing temple entry with Covid protocols but here in Tamil Nadu, India Devotees are denied entry to Palani temple on Thaipusam festival: Thaipusam is an important festival of the Tamil community
- IRCTC starts ‘Shri Ramayan Yatra’ with 100% occupancy, Railways minister announces next tour on 12th December
- "ॐ नमो भगवते रूद्राय": Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads a grand roadshow and performs sacred rituals to celebrate 75 years of the historic Somnath Temple restoration in Gujarat, during a monumental two-day official visit
- A 900-year-old Shiva temple at Preah Vihear sparked deadly clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops, reigniting a decades-old border dispute despite ICJ rulings and UNESCO status, as both nations stand firm on sovereignty amid rising regional tension
- 'Found stone carvings of Hindu Gods-Goddesses, lotus, Seshnaag, Shrigar Gauri shrine distinctly visible, absolute remnants of ancient Hindu temple': Survey commissioner Ajay Mishra reports, Muslim side continuously uncooperative
- Culture And Heritage - Meenakshi Temple Madurai
















