Nine lemons with 'mystical qualities' sold at Rs 2.36 lakhs, this is why

CHENNAI: A temple dedicated to Lord Muruga in Villupuram in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday auctioned nine 'sacred' lemons for Rs 2.36 lakhs.

Devotees believe that drinking the juice from a lemon adored on the sacred spear of Lord Muruga will cure infertility and bring prosperity to the family. Every year many childless couples visit this temple during the Panguni Uthiram festival. This temple is nestled in between the convergence of two hills.

The auction is conducted by the temple management committee.

"Childless couples buy the lemons as there is a strong belief that the lemon cures infertility. Traders and businessmen buy the lemon seeking prosperity in their business ventures." a villager said.

During the nine days of the festival, the temple priests poke lemons on the spike every day and the management auctions them on the last day. It is believed that lemons that are planted on the spike on the first day are the most auspicious and have the greatest power.

A couple from Kulathur village bought the lemon for Rs 50,500. Those who buy lemons at auction should kneel down before the temple priests after taking holy dip. This is a practice that has been going on in the temple for years.