Missing Kaniponnu from Pandalam palace recovered; Mulakkuzha native admits mistake

PANDALAM: The gold Kaniponnu (sacred miniature idol) went missing on Vishu day during the usual Thiruvabharanam darshan at the Valiakoikkal Dharmashasta Temple in Pandalam. However, relief news came later as the police recovered the sacred gold from a Mulakkuzha native who took the idol by mistake after darshan at the temple.

This morning, the Thiruvabharanam (sacred gold ornaments) kept in the Pandalam palace were placed on the idol of the Valiakoikkal Dharmashasta Temple and prepared for Vishukani viewing. Devotees were allowed darshan from 4:30 in the morning. At 6 am, one of the devotees who had come for darshan took hold of the Kaniponnu (miniature gold idol of Lord Ayyappa on horseback).

The Pandalam Palace members who came for darshan normally take the Kaniponnu and rub it into their eyes to seek blessings. The Kaniponnu is normally kept inside the sanctum sanctorum.