Madurai

Irukkankudi Mariamman Temple is one of the famous temples in the southern districts. Many devotees undertake padayatra and offer their hair as fulfilment of vows taken. Authorities at Irukkankudi Mariamman Temple said it was customary to store all the offered hair in the temple. A due process of separation of the offerings, based on the quality was undertaken at periodic intervals, before being auctioned once in a year, but in the last two years the auction was unsuccessful as they were unable to get a good price. 

The unsold hair was stored in a mandapam in the temple. On Friday morning, the cleaners discovered the sacks of of hair had gone missing and informed the Irukkankudi police. After checking the premises, police have booked a case, said temple officials. There is a thriving market for hair as they are used to make wigs, hair extension etc. Wigs with real hair are in great demand both in India and abroad.

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