BANGALORE, July 15, 2013: Karnataka government is seriously contemplating taking over the historical Melkote temple following complaints of thefts and misappropriation. 

Replying to a question from former minister S Cheluvarayaswamy during question hour, Muzrai minister Prakash B Hukkeri said they already suspended Narasaraja Bhat, archak of the Cheluvarayaswamy temple, in connection with the four-year-old ornament misuse case and soon they will be filing a criminal case against him. 

He also heeded the demand of opposition to remove trust appointed Varadaraja Bhat, brother of Narasaraja Bhat as the archak of the temple. 

Bhat was charged with receiving gold ornaments as gifts from devotees, taking gifts to his home and taking away parts of diamond-studded gold ornament, Vajrangi, resulting in its depreciation. 

In another theft case related to Yoganarsimha swamy temple, Rai said judgement is pending before the Panadavapura civil court. The ancient Yoga Narasimhaswamy temple at Melkote was burgled and silver and gold-plated jewellery and other valuable items estimated at Rs.7 lakh. Seven persons had been arrested in this connection, he added. 

Described as a stronghold of Sri Vaishnavas, the Melkote temple town is associated with the 12th century saint-philosopher Sri Ramanujacharya who stayed here to escape persecution by the Cholas and systematized the procedures for worship that is followed even to this day. Krishnaraja Wadiyar of Mysore had presented a golden crown to adorn the deity that is used only on rare occasions and are safe in the custody of the district administration.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 15, 2013.