Summary:
“The uthsava idol of Sri Namperumal cannot be replaced by anybody at any point of time. Referring to the allegation that the Sri Namperumal idol was replaced during the ‘Swarna Bandhanam’ (patch works made on the idol with gold), Mr.
Murali Bhattar said the ‘Swarna Bandhanam’ was necessitated since some minor defects were noticed in the idol’s cheeks. more-inPriests of the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple have denied reports in a section of the media that the processional idol of the shrine, Sri Namperumal, has been replaced. It was essential to remove the defects as the Sri Namperumal idol was to be carefully preserved for posterity, he said, adding this was the reason for carrying out the patch work. Replacing the idol during the ‘Swarna Bandhanam’ done under the direct supervision of priests and top officials was simply impossible, he said..