Padukas are gold, says DC

Deputy commissioner of Chamarajanagar district K R Sundar on Tuesday clarified that various tests done to check the authenticity of the ‘padukas’ (mould resembling legs) of the deity Biligiri ranganathaswamy has revealed that it is real gold.

The gold ornaments that were kept at the sub treasury were brought to be used during Brahmotsava celebrations that were held on May 4.

There was confusion on Monday when some people raised doubt on the authenticity of the padukas, after which it was brought to the notice of the higher officials.

A three-member team of experts under the guidance of assistant commissioner A B Basavaraju took up the verification and has given a clean chit.

The padukas were donated by Jahagirdar in 1937. Each paduka weighed 344 gms earlier and the verification done now showed that it weighed 339 gms, according to assistant commissioner.

 The difference in weight may be due to usage as the metal tends to wear off on continuous use.

He said unnecessary tension created by some who claimed that the ornament has been replaced, has caused anxiety among the devotees. Legal action would be taken on them, he added.

Tahsildar Shivanagaiah, temple executive officer Venkateshprasad, Sub inspector Mahadevanayaka and others were present.