Thu Dec 18 14:38:42 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the theft of the emerald lingam, based on the provided text:
Headline: Emerald Lingam Stolen from Temple in Tamil Nadu
Tiruchi, India – December 18, 2025 – A valuable emerald lingam (maragathalingam) has been reported stolen from the Kashi Visalakshmi Udanurai Kashi Viswanathar Temple in Ilaiyur, near Jayankondam in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. The theft was discovered on Thursday morning by the temple priest, Kaliyaperumal.
According to sources, Kaliyaperumal had locked the temple after performing evening puja on Wednesday and slept in the hall adjacent to the temple. Upon waking, he discovered the key, which he kept under his pillow, was missing and the temple had been opened. The maragathalingam was then found to be absent.
Authorities from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment and local police were immediately notified and conducted inquiries at the scene.
The Jayamkondam police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by the Executive Officer of the temple and an investigation is currently underway. The theft has caused considerable concern among devotees and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.
First Piper 