Diamond-studded gold idols found in Tirumala hundi

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The Tirumala temple has received another lavish gift, this time in the form of diamond-studded golden idols of Lord Venkateswara and his consorts Goddesses Lakshmi Devi and Padmavati. The idols, which were donated anonymously in Srivari Hundi, are worth Rs 1.25 crore.

There are 1,014 diamonds, 552 rubies, 197 emeralds and one big sapphire on the Mula Virat (presiding deity replica) idol. The size of the Mula Virat of Lord Venkateswara is about 14 inches and it weighs about 2.57 kg. There are 25 diamonds stud ded on the golden platform where the Lord is being placed, 90 diamonds on the Chakram, 112 diamonds on the Shanku, 119 on the crown, 44 on the Namam, 139 in three various jewels and 13 diamonds on the Lord’s waist ornament.

The idol of Goddess Lakshmi weighs 101 gm and is worth about Rs 2,92,800 and that of Goddess Padmavathi weighs around 81gm costing about Rs 2,34,800.

Addressing mediapersons on Thursday, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s executive officer L.V.Subramanyam and joint executive officer K.S. Srinivasa Raju said that a devotee had made this “golden” offering in Srivari Hundi on September 28.