TIRUPATI: A 500-year-old Ganesh idol studded with precious stones and other valuables were stolen from Chandragiri village in Chittoor district on Wednesday.
When some people went to have darshan of the idol early morning, it was found missing. The police suspect people with knowledge of precious stones behind the theft. It may be recalled that this is not the first time that ancient idols have been stolen in and around Chandragiri.
The uniqueness of the stolen idol is that the sculpture had precious stones installed for its eyes. To ensure that the precious stones are fixed inside the stone carving, molten lead is poured inside the idol. It is then sealed with appropriately cut stones at the base of the idol.
This process was invented and implemented in temple sculpture during the reign of Vijayanagara Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya. The idol is auspicious because all kings who ruled from Chandragiri, used to have darshan of this Ganesh idol.