MADURAI: Two small gold and copper spears have been taken in the annual ritual procession from Karaikudi to Palani Temple in Tamil Nadu for the past 422 years lost during this year’s event on January 14.
Nagarathar (Chettiars) from Karaikudi, Ramanathapuram, Pulajottai, and Sivaganga have made a pilgrimage to carry a 3.5 cm spear since 1601.
This year too, they reached Natham on January 13 and lived in traditional Mandapam attached to the Perumal Temple there.
Spear is stored in the Sanctum Sanctorum from the temple in the silver box.
But they lost the next morning.
Police Natham was investigating.
When pilgrimage cannot be continued without a spear, two in a hurry to make and the procession continues after delay.