VILLUPURAM: Three Kottravai idols, believed to be around 1,200 years old, have been discovered in a village near Villupuram, a find considered rare by historians.

The idols were identified at Siruvakkur village near Villupuram during a recent field study, said Villupuram-based historian Senguttuvan.

He said the discovery of three Kottravai idols in one village is significant.

According to Senguttuvan, the idols were found separately within two small shrines located in agricultural fields along the banks of the Thenpennai river.

Each idol carved on a slab of stone measuring about five feet in height reflects the Pallava style of art.

He explained that Kottravai was revered as the mother deity of the ancient Tamils.