Fwd: Kerala temple in limelight for 'reactive' power

[Guest guest]

, " prashanthnair999 "

<prashanthnair999 wrote:

 

Kerala temple in limelight for 'reactive' power Thursday, 20 November

, 2008, 19:25

Last Updated: Thursday, 20 November , 2008, 20:02

Thiruvananthapuram: A little known temple in the sleepy hamlet of

Muthavazhy in Alappuzha district of Kerala has shot into limelight

following speculation that its dome may contain iridium, a metal

costlier than gold.

The 'power' of the dome became an object of curiosity and discussion as

people found that the cells of their torches 'burnt out' and batteries

of mobile phones 'damaged' when kept close to it.

The possible presence of iridium made several people even to make

enquiries whether they could buy it.

According to M V Gopakumar, president of Muthavazhi Subramanian (Lord

Murugan) temple, the managing committee of the shrine had of late been

getting inquiries from several quarters about the 'power' of the dome.

Some people had even approached them, offering a hefty sum if the temple

was willing to sell it.

 

This made the temple committee approach the authorities for protection

of the shrine, which prompted the State Archaeological Department to

conduct an inspection of the temple. After that, the matter was referred

to Bhaba Atomic Research Centre and National Research Laboratory for

Conservation of Cultural Properties for a detailed study of the ancient

structure, believed to be over 2,000 years old.

Though no hypothesis has been drawn on the matter, the department has

decided to ask the government to include the temple in the list of

protected memorials, considering its antiquity.

" We are not sure if the dome of the temple contains iridium or some

reactive metals. That is for the scientific institutions to prove. But

we are convinced of the antiquity of the temple and we want it to be

protected and preserved " , G Ramachandran, director of Archeological

Department said.

 

--- End forwarded message ---

[Guest guest]

, " prashanthnair999 "

<prashanthnair999 wrote:

 

Kerala temple in limelight for 'reactive' power Thursday, 20 November

, 2008, 19:25

Last Updated: Thursday, 20 November , 2008, 20:02

Thiruvananthapuram: A little known temple in the sleepy hamlet of

Muthavazhy in Alappuzha district of Kerala has shot into limelight

following speculation that its dome may contain iridium, a metal

costlier than gold.

The 'power' of the dome became an object of curiosity and discussion as

people found that the cells of their torches 'burnt out' and batteries

of mobile phones 'damaged' when kept close to it.

The possible presence of iridium made several people even to make

enquiries whether they could buy it.

According to M V Gopakumar, president of Muthavazhi Subramanian (Lord

Murugan) temple, the managing committee of the shrine had of late been

getting inquiries from several quarters about the 'power' of the dome.

Some people had even approached them, offering a hefty sum if the temple

was willing to sell it.

 

This made the temple committee approach the authorities for protection

of the shrine, which prompted the State Archaeological Department to

conduct an inspection of the temple. After that, the matter was referred

to Bhaba Atomic Research Centre and National Research Laboratory for

Conservation of Cultural Properties for a detailed study of the ancient

structure, believed to be over 2,000 years old.

Though no hypothesis has been drawn on the matter, the department has

decided to ask the government to include the temple in the list of

protected memorials, considering its antiquity.

" We are not sure if the dome of the temple contains iridium or some

reactive metals. That is for the scientific institutions to prove. But

we are convinced of the antiquity of the temple and we want it to be

protected and preserved " , G Ramachandran, director of Archeological

Department said.

 

--- End forwarded message ---