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 archeaological examination, the Tahsildar said, adding, "the idols are now kept in safe custody at the Kilvelur taluk office.