A group of burglars took away a rare 'Spatika Shivling' (a crystal phallic symbol of Hindu God Shiva) from a temple in India's Karnataka state on Monday night.
The 'Spatika Shivling' was known as the biggest of its kind in Southern India.
The burglars broke into the Lingadahalli Rambhapuri Hiremath Temple when Veerabhadra Shivacharya Swami, the seer of the pilgrimage centre, stepped out, and stole the rare Spatika Shivling.
The incident came to light on Tuesday, when the local Halageri District police were informed about the incident and launched a probe.
Images of rare Spatika (crystal) Shivling Stolen from Temple in India's Karnataka state
© Photo : Twitter
The Shivling (or the Shivlinga) measured 13 inches in length and circumference.
The significance of the Spatika Shivalinga temple is in that it is beautifully carved with the images of 18 Shakti Devatas (Hindu energy deities), which are installed on the pillars of this pilgrimage centre.
The case is being further investigated.