Sri Govindarajaswami Temple dates back to 12th century.
Highlights
- The theft was reported at Sri Govindarajaswami temple
- The crowns of sub-temple gods weigh over 1,351 grams
- Police said all the CCTV footages are being examined
Three gold crowns of the presiding deities, studded with precious stones, were stolen on Saturday from Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, one of the biggest temple complexes in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati.
The theft in the temple, which dates back to 12th century, is suspected to have taken place at the time of evening prasad offerings, according to the police complaint filed by the temple superintendent Sri Gyana Prakash.
The temple was closed between 5 pm and 5:45 pm at the time of prasad offerings. When priest Harikrishna Deekshitulu took charge from priest Vijayasaradhi as the temple opened, he noticed the crowns were missing. He then informed Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam, the overseeing authority, and a police complaint was filed in the early hours on Sunday.
The crowns of sub-temple gods - Malayappa, Sridevi and Bhoodevi - weigh 1,351 gram. Malayappa crown weighs 528 gram, Sridevi crown weighs 408 gram and Bhoodevi crown weighs 415 gram.
"We are examining all the CCTV footages and everyone who was on the location will be treated as a suspect and will be interrogated," an investigating officer told NDTV.
A local BJP leader and some party workers today protested against the theft in front of the temple.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is one of the most ancient temples located in the heart of temple city.