The Curious Case of the 'Missing' Golden Lizard: Kancheepuram Temple Sets the Record Straight

Oh, the internet, isn't it just a marvel? Sometimes, though, it can whip up a frenzy faster than you can say "viral." And that, dear reader, is precisely what happened recently when whispers — no, outright shouts — began circulating about a rather alarming disappearance at the ancient and much-loved Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kancheepuram. The buzz? That one of its iconic, deeply revered golden lizard carvings had, well, simply vanished into thin air.

Honestly, the sheer speed at which a single photograph, purportedly showing an empty space where the glittering lizard should have been, spread across social media was quite something. For countless devotees, this wasn't just about a piece of art; these carvings, particularly the golden and silver pair, hold immense spiritual significance. Touching them is believed to absolve sins, to usher in good fortune. So, you can imagine the collective gasp, the immediate concern, when word got out that such a cherished symbol was reportedly no longer there.

But hold on a minute. Let's pump the brakes on the panic, shall we? Because, as is often the case with these sorts of online sensations, the truth turned out to be far less dramatic. In fact, it was quite mundane, in the best possible way. The temple authorities, through their Executive Officer Sundaramurthy, quickly stepped in to quash the burgeoning rumors. The golden lizard, they reassured everyone, was absolutely, unequivocally, still very much in its rightful place.

So, what was the photo showing then? A carefully placed sheet. Yes, that's right. Just a plain, simple sheet. You see, the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, like many ancient structures, undergoes periodic renovations and maintenance. With the grand Samprokshanam, or consecration ceremony, scheduled for June 19, the entire temple complex, including its intricate sculptures and revered carvings, is receiving a thorough sprucing up. And this, of course, means protecting sensitive areas from dust, debris, and perhaps even curious hands during the work.

The famed golden and silver lizard carvings, perched on the ceiling of the historic hundred-pillared hall, were simply covered up as part of this essential renovation process. Not gone, not stolen, just temporarily shielded from view. It’s a testament, perhaps, to both the power of immediate digital information and, frankly, our collective willingness to jump to conclusions. For once, the good news is exactly that: good news. The lizards are safe, waiting patiently to be revealed anew, shining brightly once the temple is ready to welcome its faithful, cleansed and revitalized. A bit of a relief, wouldn't you say?