Vandals desecrate ancient temple statues following Shivarathri celebrations

Mundargi: A shocking act of vandalism was reported on Sunday, February 15, in Shingatalur village of the taluk, where miscreants attacked the historic Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple and desecrated several idols, including the sacred Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum.

The incident occurring on the holy occasion of Mahashivarathri has sparked intense anger and anxiety among the local residents.

Temple was decorated for the festival

Just on Saturday, in preparation for the Shivarathri festival, villagers had whitewashed and painted the ancient temple located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and decorated it with traditional buntings and floral arrangements.

Idols destroyed

The desecration came to light early Sunday morning when devotees arrived at the temple for morning prayers. The miscreants had smashed the Shivalinga inside the temple, the Nandi idol positioned in front of it, and the idol of Goddess Honnattemma, displaying a distorted mindset.

Villagers demand action

The fact that this incident took place on the very day the temple was decorated suggests it was a deliberate act. Residents have alleged that the vandalism was carried out by troublemakers with the intent to disturb communal harmony. Locals have demanded that the police visit the spot immediately to conduct an investigation and arrest the culprits without delay.