Miscreants dig at temple for treasure; dislocate Siva Lingam

Kurnool: Hunt for hidden treasures is resulting in demolishing of ancient temples in the district. One such incident has come to light on Friday morning at Pata Budidapadu village in Gudur mandal of Kurnool district. Pata Budidapadu village once existed in Gudur mandal and in due course of time the villagers have migrated and settled at Gudur. In place of Budidapadu village now a dense forest has grown and less number of people are seen visiting the place.

Some 30-40 years ago, a temple of Lord Siva was constructed at the village and people used to visit the temple during festive season to offer prayers. The remaining days a temple priest visits the temple to carry out the cleaning operation. As usual the temple priest came to the temple on Friday morning and was shocked to see the Siva Lingam dislocated and that some soil was dug beneath the Lingam.

He immediately brought the issue to the notice of the villagers who in turn informed the police as well as Village Revenue Officer. One of the villagers, Ayyanna, speaking to the media said that they were informed by the temple priest about the dislocation of Siva Lingam and that some soil beneath the Siva Lingam was dug. “Subsequently, we rushed to the temple. We immediately brought the issue to the notice of the Village Revenue Officer Nagaraj,” he added.

Village Revenue Officer Nagaraj said that he received a written complaint from the villagers of Pata Budidapadu stating that Siva Lingam was plucked out. “I visited the temple and lodged a complaint with the police.” He further added that the temple was an ancient temple and there were rumours that valuable treasure was stored beneath the Siva Lingam. Believing in rumours, some greedy persons in search of treasure might have indulged in the misdeed, the VRO said.