The idols were found when a pit was dug up at a house

Thirteen idols of varying sizes, all believed to be made of panchaloha, were unearthed from a house at Vikrapandiyam near Kudavasal on Thursday.

The idols were found when a pit was dug up at the house of Kasirajan in the village for constructing a toilet. As the work was going on, the earth caved in leading to a small chamber all covered with brick walls. When the masons broke open the wall, they found 13 idols of various deities. Most idols are in the ‘anugraha’ form maintaining a blessing posture. Exquisite carvings of the ornaments in the arms and minute designs of ‘jadamudi’ of Lord Nataraja testify to the ancient workmanship.

The idols were mostly placed on lotus pedestals. The idol of Nataraja was the largest. Apart from the idols, a number of ‘pooja’ utensils including a lamp were unearthed at the site.

Shortly after the news spread, a large number of villagers rushed to the spot. Revenue officials have deposited the idols at the taluk office in Tiruvarur. Further details about the idols would be ascertained after examination by experts from the Archaeological Department, officials said.