The present generation may not be aware of what happened about seven decades ago. Gandhi, Tagore and Nehru had raised several questions in the aftermath of the Bihar earthquake of 1934. Gandhi�s stand was that we do not know all the laws of God nor their working. Taking a broader view, Gandhi expressed his belief that visitations with seemingly physical origins, were somehow connected with man�s morals, though this connection cannot be proved. While the physical effects would be forgotten and repaired, the moral lessons would have to be learnt. Disagreeing with Tagore, Gandhi asserted that human sins do have the force to ruin the physical world.

This would come flashing into the mind in the context of the Hundi-breaking and shocking theft at the eight century old Kapaleeswarar Temple at Mylapore in Chennai. This is the first time that such a desecration has occurred. Seven months ago, a portion of the Rajagopuram of this ancient temple was damaged when lightning struck it.

The latest incident has opened up several questions, most of which remain unanswered. They relate not only to Temple security, but also about its over-all administration. One hopes that adequate steps would be taken so that such unfortunate incidents do not recur.