Devbhumi Dwarka (Gujarat) [India]: A ‘Shivling’ was allegedly stolen from the Shree Bhidbhanjan Bhavaneeshvar Mahadev temple near Harshad Beach in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka on the eve of Mahashivratri, triggering a large-scale search operation, officials said.
Police Investigation and Search Efforts
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitesh Pandey stated that special teams have been deployed to locate the missing Shivling, with scuba divers and swimmers assisting the search, as authorities suspect it may have been hidden in the sea.
SP Nitesh Pandey said:
“The priest of Bhidbhanjan Bhavaneeshvar Mahadev temple informed police that someone had stolen a ‘Shivling’ from the temple. Teams have been formed, and an investigation is going on. There is a possibility that someone might have hidden the Shivling in the sea, and hence we have called expert scuba divers and swimmers.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently working to recover the missing Shivling, and further investigation is underway to determine the motive and those involved in the alleged theft.
This incident has caused outrage among devotees, as the theft occurred just before Mahashivratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.