Six ancient idols were unearthed while workers were digging a piece of land for renovating a temple at Sikar village in Nagapattinam district, revenue department officials said on Tuesday.

Work was on to construct a compound wall on the land belonging to the Aadhikesava Perumal temple when the workers spotted six small metal idols at a depth of about three feet while digging yesterday.

Idols of Perumal, Sridevi, Boodevi, Chakkarathazhvar and others were unearthed, Tahsildar Amudhavijayarangan said.

The idols vary in size ranging from 2 to 3 ft in height.

Other details, including antiquity value, would be known only after detailed archaeological examination, the Tahsildar said, adding, "the idols are now kept in safe custody at the Kilvelur taluk office."