Another team will go to U.S., the Netherlands, France, and Australia to bring back 76 idols that went missing from T.N.; Oxford University to return Thirumangai Alwar idol.
| Photo Credit: File photo
A special team comprising officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and Tamil Nadu Idol Wing Police will soon visit Singapore to submit and process documents pertaining to 16 idols that went missing from temples in the State. The idols include a statue of Lord Hanuman.
Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) P.K. Sekarbabu, who chaired a meeting of officials on Wednesday, said that a similar team would visit countries, including the U.S., the Netherlands, France, and Australia, where 76 idols missing from the State have been located.
The idol of Kannappa Nayanar — one of the Arubathimoovar Saivite Saints belonging to the Agneeswarar Temple in Thirupugalur in Nagapattinam district — that went missing 15 years ago, has been traced to the Netherlands.
The idol wing stopped the auction of the idol six months ago, and have submitted necessary documents to the Government of the Netherlands.
“The revered idol will soon be returned to our State,” tthe Minister said, adding that the Oxford University had agreed to return the idol of Thirumangai Alwar from its Ashmolean museum.
Till September 30, 2025, a total of 440 artefacts, including 239 metal idols, 98 stone idols, four maragatha lingams, and paintings have been retrieved through the joint efforts of the two departments.
“The Chief Minister is intent on bringing back home the State’s ancient treasures. Of the 440 artefacts, 12 idols were retrieved from other countries, and 10 of those have been returned to the respective temples,” Mr. Sekarbabu said.
During the meeting, P.N. Sridhar, HR&CE Commissioner; Kalpana Nayak, ADGP, Idol Wing, and other officials were present.
Published – October 09, 2025 12:34 am IST
