Priest's Year-Long Quest to Return Lost Gold Bracelet Praised by Community
In a heartwarming display of integrity that has captured local admiration, a priest at the Sri Basaveshwara Temple in Ponnampet, Madikeri, has been widely commended for his diligent efforts in returning a valuable gold bracelet to its rightful owner after it was lost during last year's Mahashivratri celebrations.
The Incident During Mahashivratri 2025
The story began in 2025 when HB Kamala, a resident of Jodubeeti village, visited the sacred Sri Basaveshwara Temple with her young granddaughter to participate in the Mahashivratri festivities. During their visit, the gold bracelet worn by the child accidentally came loose and went missing. Distraught by the loss, Kamala became visibly upset and scolded her granddaughter, drawing the attention of temple priest Panchakshari.
Priest Panchakshari immediately approached them to inquire about the situation. Upon learning of the missing bracelet, he, along with several devotees present at the temple, conducted a thorough search of the premises. Despite their best efforts, the bracelet could not be located at that time, and Kamala eventually returned home, resigned to the loss.
The Discovery and Persistent Search for the Owner
Some time after the initial incident, the gold bracelet was discovered near the temple's footwear stand. Recognizing its value and the distress its loss must have caused, Priest Panchakshari took immediate action to find the owner. He utilized modern communication tools by sharing detailed information about the found bracelet in various local WhatsApp groups, hoping someone would come forward to claim it.
However, despite his proactive efforts, no one contacted the temple regarding the lost item. Undeterred, the priest made the conscientious decision to keep the bracelet safely secured while continuing to watch for any potential claimants during subsequent temple visits.
The Joyful Reunion and Return of the Bracelet
The turning point came when Kamala revisited the Sri Basaveshwara Temple with her granddaughter after this year's Mahashivratri celebrations. Priest Panchakshari, who had remembered the incident and the individuals involved, immediately recognized them. He approached Kamala and inquired about the previous year's loss of the bracelet.
After carefully confirming all relevant details to ensure the bracelet was rightfully returned, Priest Panchakshari presented the safely kept gold bracelet to an overjoyed Kamala. The emotional reunion brought immense relief and happiness to the grandmother, who had long given up hope of recovering the precious item.
Community Recognition and Praise for Honesty
Local residents and temple devotees have since praised Priest Panchakshari's exceptional honesty and dedication. His actions have highlighted several commendable qualities:
- Remarkable memory and attentiveness to remember visitors and their concerns over a year later
- Proactive use of technology through WhatsApp groups to locate the owner
- Responsible safeguarding of the valuable item for an extended period
- Unwavering commitment to returning lost property despite no immediate claim
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of honesty and community responsibility that continue to thrive in local religious institutions. The Sri Basaveshwara Temple has become a symbol of these virtues through Priest Panchakshari's exemplary conduct, strengthening the bond between the temple and its devotees while setting a moral example for the entire community.
