13-kg Gold Armour Adorns Muthuramalinga Thevar Statue for 64th Guru Puja
A 13-kg gold armour worth crores has been placed on the statue of Muthuramalinga Thevar in Pasumpon for the 64th Guru Puja and 119th Jayanti.
In a grand tradition marking the upcoming celebrations, the statue of the legendary leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar has been adorned with a magnificent gold armour. This ritual comes as the region prepares for the 64th Guru Puja and the 119th Jayanti festival of the prominent politician and community leader, scheduled for October 30 in Pasumpon, Ramanathapuram district.
The Legacy of the Golden Armour
The gold armour, weighing 13 kilograms, was first introduced in 2014 by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on behalf of the AIADMK. At the time of its creation, the armour was valued at approximately Rs 4.5 crore. Since then, it has become a central part of the annual festivities, being placed on the statue during the Guru Puja and Jayanti celebrations before being securely stored in a bank vault in Madurai.
The Ritual Procession and Installation
The process of bringing the armour to Pasumpon began on Monday. The gold armour was retrieved from the Madurai Bank vault in the presence of AIADMK Treasurer Dindigul Srinivasan and the Thevar Memorial In-charge, Gandhimeenal. The armour was transported and subsequently placed on the statue of Muthuramalinga Thevar.
The installation ceremony saw the participation of several key figures, including former ministers RP Udayakumar and Manikandan, alongside the memorial in-charges.
Security and Duration
Given the immense value of the gold, the authorities have implemented strict security measures. Armed police are providing 24-hour surveillance to ensure the safety of the armour while it remains at the memorial. The gold armour will remain on the statue for one week, after which it will be returned to the vault in Madurai.
Who was Muthuramalinga Thevar?
Born on October 30, 1908, in Pasumpon, Ramnad District, Ukkirapandi Muthuramalinga Thevar was a towering figure in Indian politics and a pivotal leader for the Thevar community. His political career was marked by significant influence, and he had the distinction of being elected to the Parliament three times.