Kanchipuram, Nov 7: A controversy has emerged at the renowned Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, regarding the replacement of ancient golden and silver lizard plaques during ongoing restoration work.

These plaques possess profound spiritual significance to devotees and are symbolically linked to a legend involving the curse and redemption of two disciples of Sage Gautama, represented as golden (Sun) and silver (Moon) lizards. Devotees believe that touching these plaques can remove doshas (malefic effects).

The dispute arose following allegations by Rangaraja Narasimha of Srirangam that the original plaques had been removed and substituted with new ones during the temple’s renovations.

This prompted an official complaint, and the Idol Wing CID swiftly launched an investigation to ascertain the facts. On November 5, 2025, the Temple Executive Officer, Rajyalakshmi, was questioned by police for nearly eight hours as part of the probe.

Several other temple staff members were also interrogated. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have instructed the Executive Officer and staff to comply with any further appearances or inquiries.

The golden and silver lizards hold immense religious and cultural importance at this Divya Desam temple, reinforcing the sensitivity around their preservation.

The temple management and local devotees are closely watching the developments as the probe continues into the circumstances behind the alleged plaque replacements.

This incident highlights the challenges of balancing restoration efforts with the preservation of religious heritage and the sentiments of devotees at historically significant temples such as Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.