Madras, September 2: Sixteen exquisite bronze idols and 17 puja utensils all valued at Rs. one crore have been recovered from an underground vault in the ancient Kalyanasundarar Temple in Nallur, Papanasam taluk in Thanjavur district. The temple is under the control of the Tiruvaduthurai Adheenam.Officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and State Directorate of Archaeology, led by Dr. R. Nagaswami, Director of Archaeology, acting on a hint thrown by the temple executive searched and found the vault. A representative of the Tiruvaduthurai Adheenam was present during the search. The Math’s records indicate that these valuable images and jewels had been deposited in the safe vault in 1942.These rare pieces of art were retrieved earlier this week after securing an order from the State Government to rummage the underground cell in the temple precincts.Apart from the discovery of the valuable pieces from the subterranean chamber, this probe has given a clue to the traditional method of safeguarding precious idols and ornaments of a temple and the care bestowed on preservation of art forms. Published - September 03, 2026 03:20 am IST