Deity's ancient pendant goes missing from Ambalapuzha temple

An ancient 'navaratna- studded' gold pendant, part of scared ornaments used to adorn Lord Krishna at the famous Ambalapuzha temple in Alappuzha district, has gone missing.
Confirming that the deity's pendant has gone missing, Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said an investigation by the Crime Branch is being sought into the matter. TDB manages various shrines all over the state.
Gopalakrishnan told PTI that he would be submitting a petition to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to order a Crime Branch probe.
A probe by the vigilance wing of the Board has already started, he said.
Quoting local devotees, Gopalakrishnan said the pendant was last seen on April 13. The loss, however, came to light only yesterday.

"There seems to be some mystery over the delay in reporting about the pendant going missing," he added.
It is believed that the pendant was presented to the deity by Chempakasseri Rajas of Central Travancore some 450 years ago.
Gopalakrishnan said a golden accessory fitted atop a golden umbrella too had gone missing from the temple a few years ago. Though investigation was held to trace the valuable object, it could not be found.