Devotees in the Krishnapuram Tagore Street area were left in shock after discovering that five Panchaloha murtis were stolen from the Vinaitheerthan Vinayagar mandir on the night of January 6.
The theft occurred during the auspicious month of Markazhi, a period when both Vaishnavite and Shiva mandir are traditionally opened early in the morning for the Dhanur (Markazhi) month pooja. This month is considered significant in Tamil culture, commemorating the penance of Saint Andal, who is believed to have woken early for her marriage with Bhagwan Vishnu, composing 30 devotional songs known as Thiruppavai. Devotees sing these songs as an expression of love and praise for Bhagwan Vishnu, with some even performing bhajans in the streets, despite the cold weather.
In addition, the Tiruvempāvai, a collection of hymns by the poet-saint Manikkavacakar, is sung in all Shiva mandir during this time. Devout women participate in the tradition of drawing kolams with rice flowers and colored powders, an activity that continues until the Pongal festival in the Tamil month of Thai.
The theft has left the community in dismay, with authorities working to investigate the incident.
On January 7, a regular devotee who came to draw kolams at the Vinaitheerthan Vinayagar mandir discovered the mandir doors were open and locks had been broken. Alarmed by this, she immediately informed the mandir authorities and neighboring residents.
Suresh, the mandir in charge, arrived to find that the lock of the sanctum sanctorum had also been broken. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that all five Panchaloha murtis—Vinayagar, Murugan, Goddess Valli, Deivanai, and Natarajan—were missing. The burglars had also broken open the mandir’s donation box, taking cash, gold, and other valuables. Additional Panchaloha murtis were reportedly missing as well.
In response to the mandir’s complaint, local police retrieved CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the culprits. Authorities suspect the same gang that had broken into the donation box last month may be responsible for the theft of the murtis.
The police have urged the mandir management to install CCTV cameras on the premises to enhance security. In turn, the mandir management and local devotees have requested the police to increase patrols around the mandir area to prevent further incidents.
Hindu Munnani functionary K. Kutralanathan has raised concerns over the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) department’s decision to stop the celebration of the Vaikunda Vasal Thirappu festival at the Varadaraja Perumal mandir located at Tirunelveli junction.
The Vaikunda Vasal Thirappu festival, a significant religious event, traditionally takes place in the early hours, where Bhagwan Vishnu, adorned with flowers and silk attire, symbolically enters from the Southern gate, representing the entrance to heaven. Devotees believe witnessing this event grants them Mukthi (liberation) and a place in Vaikuntham. The festival is marked by early morning prayers, fasting, and devotees staying awake through the night, breaking their fast with a nutritious meal the following day.
According to Kutralanathan, the HR & CE department did not organise the festival this year, citing an electrical leakage as the reason. However, he argued that the issue, reportedly in nearby office premises, could have been resolved in a short time and called the suspension a deliberate attempt to interfere with the mandir’s rituals.
“The ancient mandir is well-known in the area, and the Sorga Vasal Thirappu festival has been celebrated for ages. The stoppage of this festival has shocked and distressed devotees. This is part of the DMK government’s ongoing efforts to undermine Sanatan Dharma,” Kutralanathan said. He further criticised the HR & CE authorities for their mismanagement and demanded that mandir be freed from government control.
Hindu Munnani has called on the government to take action against the Fit Person and the Assistant Commissioner of HR & CE for their alleged role in the cancellation of the annual ten-day festival.
