Daijiworld News Network - Koppal

Koppal, Jul 18: The Vyasaraja Brindavana also called the Nava Brindavana of Anegundi, where the tombs of nine Hindu saints belonging to Madhwa community are placed, was damaged by vandals on the wee hours of Thursday.

The heritage site is located on an island on the Thungabhadra River in Koppal district. People from the community are upset that the incident happened on the auspicious occasion of Ashada Ekadashi.

A case stands registered by the Gangavati police. According to the police officials, ‘Treasure Hunters’ could be behind the incident. The police noted that rituals have been performed at the site and in places where digging was attempted.

Recently, many ancient temples across Hyderabad-Karnataka region have been targeted for treasure. This region was once a part of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Satyatma Theertha Sripada swami of Uttaradi Math has appealed to the state government to investigate and punish the miscreants.

He also said that the seers of Vyasaraj Math have started the work of rebuilding the damaged Brindavana. He assured all possible help from Uttaradi Math.

The vandalism was brought to the notice of the police by a caretaker. He is the only person who visits the site regularly. During the rainy season, the island can be accessed by boat from Anegundi and Ballari.

People can access the island through boats operated by district administration. However, the last service is at 4 pm.

At present, security around Anegundi has been beefed up. To prevent untoward incidents, additional forces have been summoned.