One Arrested For Defiling Shivalingam At A Historic Pallava Temple At Mahabalipuram

The Mamallapuram police have arrested a person who had placed one of his legs on top of the Shivalingam at Thirumoorthy cave near the Butter Ball monument. The cave is part of one of the temples at the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.

Police has identified the person arrested on Monday as Sadam Hussain, 27, of Karumambakkam near Thirukazhukundram. Hussain, who climbed the Lingam wearing his footwear, had posted a picture on the internet.

The picture went viral on social media with heritage conservators and cultural commentators strongly condemning the act of vandalism.

The authorities are currently on the lookout for the second person, identified as Syed. He is a native of the same village.

Thirumoorthy cave is dated to the early 8th century. It has separate sections dedicated to each of the Hindu trinity gods of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva or Maheshwara. A fine carving of elephants adorns the back side of the rock.