BENGALURU, INDIA, February 11, 2008: The State Government has decided to step up security for temples across the State and initiate a series of other measures to prevent burglaries at temples. The move comes in the wake of the recent burglary at the famous Yoga Narasimha Temple at Melkote, in which temple ornaments estimated at US$ 12,000 were stolen.
The Sate Government decided to install burglar alarms in 100 temples classified under Category A, that generate US$ 25,000 or more in donations per month. Most of the revenue comes from offerings made by devotees and these temples, Mr. Bhat said, possessed gold, silver, diamond ornaments and priceless articles of historical value. It will be mandatory for the temple administrations to deposit gold, silver and other articles with the District Treasury, except for the items used in daily worship ceremonies.
The most important items will also be insured by the government.