Archaeological department to assess value of darushilpas

ALAPPUZHA: The Department of Archaeology will assess the value of two 600-year-old darushilpas which were sold by Thiruvizha Mahadeva temple authorities as part of the “temple’s renovation”. The Darushilpas of dwarapalakas, 3.5 feet each, were said to have been sold off for a whopping Rs 20 lakh. J. Rejikumar, Director, Department of Archaeology told Deccan Chronicle , “A team specializing in darushipas will be sent to the temple to study it’, he said.  He added that the value and significance could be realised only after they were traced. The department decided to take up the matter after DC published a report on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the local people on Thursday filed a complaint with Arthunkal police demanding a probe.  The complaint said that the darushilpas were a special attraction and devotees entered the temple only after touching the feet of the dwarpalakas. “The deal was done on the sly without proper value assessment. The temple administration committed a criminal breach of trust,” the complaint says. M.R. Mrudulkumar, Sub Inspector, confirmed the complaint, adding, “The statement of the temple authorities will be recorded by Saturday.”   

The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Swamy Vilwamangalam in the 14th century by installing Shiva in the form of Lord Kalakandha (Lord Siva who swallowed poison during Palazhimadhanam),. Mahadeva temple, which is well known for the Marunnu seva ritual – purifies devotees by making them vomit the poisonous elements eaten by them, using certain indigenous medicines – has been mentioned in Athihyamala and Mahakshtrangalude Mumbil by Nalaankal Krishna Pillai.

The temple administration committee president earlier told DC that the darushilpas were sold last week for a competent price and added that they would be replaced with new ones. However, on Tuesday, the Kerala Lalithakala academy passed a resolution saying the temple authorities had no right to sell the ancient darushilpas. “It’s a state asset. There is a conspiracy behind the disappearance of the darushilpas worth crores in the international market from the temple,” it said, demanding a thorough probe.