Koppal
 A Shivalinga was stolen from the ancient Vani Veerabhadreswara Temple near Mallapura village in the taluk on Thursday night. The temple, which is situated in a deserted and steep hilly area, has been worshipped daily for the past several decades. The priests perform puja in the morning and return to Gangavathi by noon.
The miscreants, removed the Shivalinga from the pani bowl in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The incident came to light when the priest went for puja in the morning as usual. He immediately reached Gangavathi Rural Police station and lodged a complaint. Police reached the spot and conducted an inspection.
Geographically very ancient and naturally surrounded by seven hills, Gangavati is surrounded by dozens of places of mythological significance. Vani Veerabhadreswara Temple is one of them. During the installation of the idol of Lord Virupaksheshwara at Hampi, a Shivalinga was installed in the eight directions of Vijayanagar. Vani Veerabhadreswara is also said to be one of them in the southern direction of Hampi.
The historical background of the temple is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana and the Shiva Purana. Police suspect that the miscreants may have stolen and vandalised the Shivalinga for the sake of treasure.
