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RandyTravis' Blog

by RandyTravis from Fox5 I-Team

Last Post 12 days, 7 hours Ago


You've probably heard a lot about the "Prosperity Gospel," where some Christian preachers make no effort to hide their rich lifestyles, insisting it's God's wish for everyone to be prosperous. There's actually an investigation in Congress right now looking at whether those church leaders, including two metro Atlanta ministers, are dodging IRS rules.

The I-Team discovered a different version: a local Hindu leader who sure acts rich and famous.

Beginning Monday at 6 and 10, we investigate the Hindu Temple of Georgia and its controversial leader, Dr. Commander Selvam. He calls himself a traveling monk, a guru, a swami, a siddhar. His critics call him a fraud.

We found he certainly breaks the mold of what most Americans might imagine when they think of a Hindu religious leader.

Instead of being uninterested in the trappings of worldly possessions, this swami lives in a million-dollar mansion, drives expensive cars and encourages the faithful to pay thousands of dollars to his Temple. What do his followers get in return? His prayerful help in warding off a variety of problems, everything from marriage and immigration issues, to "bad dreams," "black magic" and "evil power."

Our story investigates allegations of credit card fraud, deceptive advertising and claims this swami has founded lots of other Hindu temples across the country. The truth is hilarious to see.

But it's what Dr. Commander told two undercover I-Team members that has some Hindus outraged about what's really going on inside the Hindu Temple of Georgia.

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Cromagnon read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 4:47 PM

The Religious Hipocriscy continues. No matter what religion it is...there always seems to be a commono denominator....those who are believers..(the good ones) and those who are not ( the bad ones.).. Those who shall have thier salvation by contributing all of thier money to the church and those who don't and will burn in hell.

If you believe in something, then does it matter what other people believe? What matter of it is yours about other peoples' beliefs?

It's become so adulterated with crooks it's is more of a immoral thing than what it started as ....Holy.

FreeInUSA
Jul 18, 2008 | 8:12 AM

I believe those who cheat in the name of God and those who use the worst vulnerabilities in men/women and cheat them in the name of God have to be locked up and the keys thrown away.

What's law enforcement doing when these are happening so openly right under their noses?

FreeInUSA
Jul 18, 2008 | 2:29 PM

I googled and found out the location. Since I work in the area, I drove past this place.

I have seen Hindu Temples. I have been to other Hindu Temples in the Atlanta area (in Riverdale and Lilburn). I have seen pictures of Hindu Temples in India. And, this sir, is NO HINDU TEMPLE.

Horrible choice of paint colors. Haven't seen another building so gaudy and in such poor taste. Right opposite this is a very nicely maintained church.

Hindus should be appalled by this one.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Jul 18, 2008 | 5:58 PM

Please check out the photograph to the right. These signs went up at the Temple the day after I left a message for the man who runs the Hindu Temple of Georgia.

FreeInUSA
Jul 18, 2008 | 11:18 PM

If I had any doubt about this person's guilt, it was removed when I saw that photograph. "Hindus only allowed" sign takes me to an era when we saw "Whites only" signs in the south!! Is it legal or constitutional? I will drive up there on Monday and try to enter, and let them try to stop me. This show must stop!!

omarsm01 read my blog view my photos
Jul 19, 2008 | 5:55 AM

well, we now know that imping in the pulpit has no racial barriers.

GrouchoMarx
Jul 19, 2008 | 8:53 AM

Any institution which is a 503(c)(3) corporation, and receives a federal tax-exempt status is in violation of the federal civil rights laws. I am attaching an article that illustrates this very well, and cites the Bob Jones v. United States (1983) case.

http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=10
00&context=nicholas_mirkay

Hinduism is a free-flowing, diverse, all-encompasing way of life, and religion. There is no badge that one can wear--like those who were interned at Auscwitz and Dachau wore a Yellow Star of David or the Pink Triangle.

This man's way of separating "hindus" from "non-hindus" is purely based on ethinicity or race.

This is an Indian "non" immigrant's way of saying: "WASPs are not Hindus. Whitey keep out." A very clear example of reverse discrimination practiced by immigrants. Typically it is their derision of Latinos, Africans, and African-Americans. They usually favor caucasians, as Indians such as this man usually favor fair-skinned people. However, in this case Mr. Travis--who is a caucasian-- must have done something to piss this man off for him to have posted this sign.

He should be reported for violation of your First Amendment rights, and for violation of the Federal Civil Rights Act.

http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=10
00&context=nicholas_mirkay

GrouchoMarx
Jul 19, 2008 | 10:03 AM

I meant to say 501 (c) (3) in my post above.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Jul 19, 2008 | 1:01 PM

I drove by there Friday afternoon and noticed the signs are no longer there. Interesting timing since that was the same day I posted this blog about Monday's upcoming investigation.

Regardless, it appears that non-Hindus are suddenly welcome again at the Temple.

Madhav
Jul 19, 2008 | 1:35 PM

Many Indians are very suspicious of this self styled so called guru but no one reported this guy to the police. I am from India and I am shocked to find how this crook got a visa and mad millions of dollar without any professional qualifications or experience. he calls himself 'DR' but he is just holds a commerce under graduate degree from south India. In the last 10 years or so most Indians who migrated to this country are educated and software professions and it is a pity that some of these people follow the fake guru blindly. This guy is simply exploiting the faith of Hindu religious followers. I hope FBI and IRS take note of this guy and put him behind the bars.

Thanks to FOX 5 for highlighting this story

Madhav
Jul 19, 2008 | 1:43 PM

Want to add one more thing. He does not follow main stream Hindu religion, but claims that he preaches a sub-set of the religion called 'Athervana Veda' which basically deals with Black magic. I guess he is ripping many people with huge $ amount by telling them he can solve their personal problems invoking some demi-gods associated with black magic. Many Buy in to this and donate to him.

There is another Hindu temple in Riverdale, Clayton county which follows main stream Hindu religion where this guy gets no respect. So I guess he started his own temple.

GrouchoMarx
Jul 19, 2008 | 2:47 PM

Atharva Veda is a very valid part of the Hindu way of life and religion. Except that everything he says or does is perverted or twisted to satisfy he avarice.
To understand why he does this you have to understand this man's psychological profile.

This man lacks self-esteem to the point he over compensates. His mother is a very central driving force in his life, and he has imbibed almost all of these ideas from her. She believes that whatever he does he will succeed, and moral validity of what he does is relativisitic--based on the viewpoint that you adopt. So if you think he is a god incarnate then everything he does, is valid.
Because he adopted this world view he believes that he is very special and is a REINCARNATION of Lord Shiva--the presiding deity of Atharva Vedic practices.
As a result he has is extremely narcissistic, has delusions of grandeur, a sense of entitlement, and the illusion of invincibility and invulernability. All this may sound like adolescent egocentrism in its most dangerous adult manifestation.
As a result he lacks remorse, a moral compass, and genuine feelings of sympathy, empathy and kindness for all other in general, and rich, well-educated,professionals/businesspersons--are seemingly weak because of their inability to deal with everyday problems. Since he is also envious or jealous of well-educated and successful people he has no qualms robbing, and believing he has done no wrong. Some of these feelings are also attributed to his hatred of higher caste of the Indian society--because of his own lower standing on that hierarchy.
His relati

GrouchoMarx
Jul 19, 2008 | 3:21 PM

His victims are generally depressed because they lack control over their lives. Their problems, like ours, which can range from physical illnesses to immigration delays or workplace problems overwhelm them.
When they approach the Commander of Crooks, he leads them to believe that there light at the end of the tunnel, and all with be well.
Instead, they are charged, then overcharged, and then find out that the problems have not resolved themselves. The let down from a high caused by false assurances, the financial loss (upwards of $5000.00) incurred, and the Commander's subsequent insults; drive these despondent individuals into a deeper depression. They now experience shame and anger as well -because they have been deceived. There is also the fear that he will use occult to make their lives worse.
In some instances he will actually use his editorials in the rag he calls Siddhi Times (USPS Permit No. 59) to announce the victims' problems to the world; while he simultaneously uses free blogs to cyber bully these unfortunate inviduals.
Because of all this, and the inherent immigrant unwillingness to deal with law-enforcement, this Commander guy continues to propser.
If ever indicted, tried, and convicted, he will show no remorse or penitance; but would rather use that opportunity to devise new schemes.

FreeInUSA
Jul 19, 2008 | 3:29 PM

Thanks for the update about the signs. I drove by today and did not find the signs.

Now, he is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CHEAT. Not just Hindus, he is now open to cheating even Christians, Jews and Muslims!!

Madhav
Jul 19, 2008 | 3:51 PM

There are hundreds of fake gurus in India, but i am unable to understand that how these criminals can establish themselves and find a market niche in society here in USA where most of us are educated and rationals thinkers.

kumar-blog
Jul 19, 2008 | 5:52 PM

Not only fearing this man, this man's wife, this man's priest friend sharma who is teaching all wrong things to this already evil man. Peoples thinks this man and others inside the place knowing black magic, tantra etc. really this man know nothing.

Annamalai Annamalai, which is his real name,
only frauding this man knows. his wife come and collect all money in cash box and use for perfume and dress. This place not temple. all show. Cheating and cheating every day.

He is committing so many serious crimes against Indians and Hindu religion. Meek Indians/Hindus are so morbid in fear that thay just sit and watch! They don't understand that this fraud BUILT his wealth on fraud and deceit in India as well as here in the USA.

All your payments will go to his temple construction (which is a tax shelter scheme of his I presume).

This fraud from Coimbatore cheated many poor people also with a fake finance scheme (to buy goats and poultry) and decamped. He threatened those who asked for their money. His fraud partners have since quit and started their own parallel and similar business!! This fool does not know astrology (I don't think he knows how to spell the word also) but only knows to cheat. I am sure that is all he learnt in his school days (he won't know college campus) I have audio recordings that can expose this fraud and so this cheater better be careful.

Visit
http://fraudselvam.blogspot.com/

normal read my blog
Jul 19, 2008 | 6:03 PM

P.T.Barnum said that there is a sucker born every minute.

BhulShanks read my blog
Jul 20, 2008 | 1:59 AM

Watching Fox5 news yesterdy and surprised to see a shrot clip of I-Team investigation on Dr.Commdr selvam & Htg. Heard from friends is big time crook and talks a lot to bait in folks and empties thier wallet. Can't wait tosee the fullshow on Monday.
Seen his siddhi magazine, sidhar's self-mad propagadna media to woo people in. Heis with one handup, sooon will be two hands up or behind handcufed.

BhulShanks read my blog
Jul 20, 2008 | 3:42 AM

In reply to Madhav's post Jul 19,2008/ 3:51PM
"There are hundreds of fake gurus in India, but i am unable to understand that how these criminals can establish themselves and find a market niche in society here in USA where most of us are educated and rationals thinkers."

response: It's a perfect breeding ground for a criminal like annamalai/ commdr siddr here in USA.it's because most of us don't do a whole lot of community related work and get us involved in political/ social mainstream life. Yes, we go to social parties and shar some news & ifno. but when it comes to personal matter, we seal our lips due to fear, shame or even modesty. Especially, folks getting caught with creatures like selvam go thro' sensitive issues such as physical/ mental/ emotional/ financial/ child/spouse or even business related problems. Now, in the name of offering soultions, he offers solace bysaying things so sweet. rips them off and end of story. one or tow people dare to question are amde silent through his tactics/ intimidations. Got the picture of reality! hope & believe law enforcement wakes up and seal this guy for good...

kumar-blog
Jul 20, 2008 | 4:59 AM

Watch Fox5 Shrot Clip on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-URisKtHGI

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RandyTravis

I've been a WAGA reporter since 1990. I joined the Fox5 I-Team in 1994. I grew up in Athens, Georgia, the son of a UGA professor and a hard-working mother of four. And I covered UGA sports during some of the greatest sports years in school history before graduating there in 1982. These days I spend my time traveling across our state, looking for examples of government waste, corruption, consumer fraud and anything else that I think you'll find interesting and important.

Member Since: 2/28/2007