Tamil Nadu - Cuddalore   

Probe into removal of lamp from Vallalar's `Sithivalagam'

Special Correspondent

Peace committee to ascertain views of villagers

CUDDALORE: The Revenue Divisional Officer, Prabakaran, on Tuesday conducted a probe into removal of a bronze lamp from its pedestal on the premises of `Sithivalagam' in Mettukuppam near Vadalur.

Ramalinga Adigalar, popularly known as "Vallalar," was said to have attained `siddhi' at `Sithivalagam,' by vanishing into thin air in a flash of light.

Water as fuel

It is believed that the savant used to meditate before a lamp in which water was serving as a burning medium and not oil.

However, about two decades ago, Pollachi N.Mahalingam reportedly installed another lamp in front of `Sithivalagam,' thereby kicking up a controversy. The villagers are divided over the installation of the second lamp.

The Executive Officer, Sankaranarayanan, lodged a complaint with the police, saying the second lamp has been shifted. The controversial lamp is now lying idle on the same premises.

Original safe

However, the original lamp, lit by Vallalar, remains safe and untouched.

The RDO said a peace committee meeting would be convened on Wednesday to ascertain the views of the villagers, the EO as well as the police.

The meeting would also take cognisance of the Madras High Court judgment delivered in this connection before arriving at a conclusion, Mr. Prabakaran said.

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