Alathur is a village in the Mannargudi taluk of Tiruvarur district in Tamil Nadu, India.
Demographics
As per the 2001 census, Alathur had a population of 1,626 with 841 males and 785 females. The sex ratio was 933. The literacy rate was 67.39.
Temples Historical Viswanatha Swamy Temple and Venugopala Swamy Temple are located here.
Idol Theft The Chola-era bronzes were stolen from the temples more than 50 years ago. The Idol Wing of the Tamil Nadu Criminal Investigation Department (IW-CID) has traced them to various museums/institutions in the United States.
Venugopala Swamy Temple
S.No. Deity Stolen Idol traced to Country Current status More Details1 Vishnu Los Angeles County Museum of Art United States Unknown 2 Sridevi Los Angeles County Museum of Art United States Unknown 3 Bhudevi Los Angeles County Museum of Art United States Unknown
Viswanatha Swamy Temple
S.No. Deity Stolen Idol traced to Country Current status More Details1 Somaskanda Freer Gallery of Art United States Unknown 2 Dancing Sambandar Norton Simon Museum United States Unknown Auctioned by Christie's in 20113 Yoganarasimha Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art United States Unknown 4 Ganesha Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art United States Unknown 5 Dancing Krishna Christie's Unknown Auctioned by Christie's in 20206 Standing Vishnu Metropolitan Museum of Art United States Unknown
References