nov 16th, 2008

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From: Shahryar

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/vigil-to-protect-brass-on-kerala-temple-roof_100117223.html   Vigil to protect brass on Kerala temple roof November 10th, 2008 - 4:51 pm ICT by IANS - Chengannur (Kerala) Nov 10 (IANS) A 2,000 year old temple in Kerala's Alappuzha district is being closely guarded by villagers after many foreign companies showed a keen interest in buying a piece of brass that caps the shrine's roof. Residents of Muthavazhu village, about 100 km from capital Thiruvananthapuram, are on alert since many people have visited the hamlet in the past few months to convince the priests to sell them the "thazhikakodam" - the piece of brass covering the Sreekumara Mangalam Subramaniyam Swamy temple's pointed roof. In return, they are willing to give gold.   "Several agents of national and foreign companies have been approaching for some time with promises of building an auditorium, getting the dome of the temple covered in gold and also installing a gold staff in front of the temple. In return, they want us to give them the piece of brass that occupies an area of less than 100 sq ft," said Gopakumar, president of the temple board.   According to legend, the brass cap of the temple roof protects the temple and its surrounding area from lightning and also has supernatural powers.   "We have decided that it is our duty to see that we protect our temple from evil eyes. We have formed groups of 20 people who take turns to guard the temple 24 hours," said Gopakumar.   The temple, which is built on a 1.5 acre plot, houses an idol of Hindu god Subramaniyam.   "We have decided to appoint a committee of experts to find out the science behind the piece of brass. There must be something special about it or so many people would not have offered to buy it. But no matter what, we will never part with it," said Gopakumar.