RAMESWARAM, INDIA, September 24, 2006: More than 739 copper kalasams were reported missing from the ancient Ramanatha Swamy temple here on Saturday, while one of the temple officials was placed under suspension in this connection. Temple Executive Officer Mahadevan said, 739 of the 1008 kalasams were reported missing from the temple. The missing kalasams were taken out from the temple over a period of time. Their value was estimated at US$546. The theft of the kalasams, each weighing around 7 ounces, came to light when a pilgrim from north India wanted to perform 1008 Kalasa Puja and had paid US$109 in this regard. As the officials found only 269 kalasams, they suggested they could be used for the puja. However, the devotee insisted that the puja should be performed in all the 1008 kalasams and lodged a complaint with the temple authorities.
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