Over half a dozen idols of archeological and historical importance have already vanished from the shrine, which is under the jurisdiction of the Kapilvastu Museum, during the last three months. [break]
According to local residents, due to the lack of proper protection and care by the authorities concerned, the treasured idols are being stolen.
"The temple remains open for the worship and there is no one to take care of the idols," said Jayalal Shrestha, a local. Shrestha also informed that out of over a dozen idols only three remain.
Locals are worried that the temple carrying the cultural heritage of the Buddhist era might loose its historical importance if the authority remains apathetic.
Another local, Janardan Parajuli, blamed the museum authority, police and administration, being indifferent toward the theft going on in the temple.
He added that no one seems bothered about the lost idols. Goddess Tilaurakot is worshipped in Samayamai temple situated in the in Chautara area, which is mentioned in the writings of the 7th century Chinese traveler Huen Shang as well as archeologist PC Mukherjee and Ram Niwas Pandeya, according to the locals.
According to the archeologists, Lord Buddha had met his father in this very place for the first time after attaining enlightenment. They also believed that Emperor Ashoka had also erected pillar in the area when he visited Kapilvastu.
However, the Kripa Shankar Gupta, chief of Kapilvastu Museum, said that he is not aware about the idols being stolen.
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