INDIA, January 23, 2024 (Swarajya, by S. Krishnan): The discovery of a number of statues and copper plates in Seerkazhi Sattai­nathar Temple is a landmark event—the first discovery of copper plates inscribed with ancient Saiva hymns. The temple is under the administration of Dharmapuram Aadheenam, a centuries-old Saiva mutt. The aadheenam is currently performing kum­bhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) at a number of temples under its control. The one for Sattainathar Temple, 150 miles south of Chennai near the coast, was held on May 24, 2023, after a gap of 32 years.

While digging a place for constructing the yagasala (covered ritual area) for the event near the west gopuram, workers found bronze artifacts. The digging was stopped, then resumed carefully under the supervision of the head of the aadheenam, Sri Masillamani Desiga Gnanasambanda Swamigal. What was unearthed was a treasure trove. There were 33 panchaloka (“five metals”) murtis including those of Ganapati, Murugan, Somaskandar and Saiva saints such as Appar and Gnanasambandar. In addition, the workers uncovered 55 pedestals, a number of puja utensils and 493 copper plates.

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https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/january-february-march-2024/tamil-nadus-remarkable-copper-plate-discovery/

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