Kolar, September 24, 2013: A fact-finding exploration by Nidumamidi Math seer Veerabhadra Channamalla Swami to discover the truth behind the belief that there is hidden treasure beneath a rock on the premises of the math in Goolur in Bagepalli taluk in Chickballapur district was given up on Monday following a crack in the temple wall during the operations.

The operations started on Monday morning as announced by the seer, who is known for his rational views, in full view of the public and government officials.

The temple wall started developing a crack when the manual digging process reached 15 ft deep creating panic among the devotees and the math administration, including the seer. It prompted the seer to put a stop to the mission. It was decided to give up the operations in the interests of the math which has thousands of followers.

Archaeological Survey of India’s retired director D.V. Devaraj has said that it was blind belief that there was hidden treasure beneath the temple rock. Remarking that some vested interests spread such rumours with a view to causing a dent to the temple’s interests, Mr. Devaraj counselled the math authorities not to continue with the exploration venture.

It may be noted that machineries were not used in the operations.

According to a former member of Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission N.V. Narasimhaiah, miscreants and the greedy were creating nuisance unable to bear the social work taken up by the math.

Revenue Officer Subramani, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Tahir and math secretary Renukaradhya were present during the operations.

Source: The Hindu, September 24, 2013