INDIA BELIEF CUSTOM

Tamil Nadu's unique temple where dolls greet visitors before the deity

epa10767726 A Hindu devotee sits next to garlanded idols that are offered to the deity Azhagu Muthu Ayyanar by devotees whose wishes were fulfilled, at Sri Azhagu Muthu Ayyanar temple in Thennampakkam, around 18km from Pondicherry, India, 24 July 2023 (issued 25 July 2023). The Hindu temple Sri Azhagu Muthu Ayyanar, located in Tamil Nadu's Thennampakkam, a small village near Pondicherry is known for its custom, which is surrounded by thousands of multi-colored idols and statues which are molded out of cement and clay in different sizes and shapes given to the temple as offerings by devotees. It is a belief to offer idols when their prayers are fulfilled. Devotees make a vow to the god Azhagu Muthu Ayyanar to get their wishes fulfilled. Once their wishes come true, they carve an idol or toy in the shape of what they want to become and offer them to the temple symbolizing their gratitude. The temple is surrounded by various idols of doctors, filmmakers, police, lawyers, students, married couples, and in many forms. Each idol stands as a testament to the devotee's fulfilled wishes and lies on the premises of the temple telling the story of those devotees. EPA/IDREES MOHAMMED

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