It is also believed that a rich man dying with his mind fixed on his wealth is born as a snake, to guard the wealth.[57]
There is a further belief that one who collects money by foul means and does not spend it, is born as a snake in his next life to guard his buried treasure.[58]
There is still another belief that a man who buries his treasure in a secret place becomes a snake after death, to guard the treasure.[59]
The beliefs mentioned above have given rise to the impression that places where big snakes are found are sure to have a treasure trove concealed in them.[60]
It is believed that the snake guarding the treasure of his previous life does not allow anybody to remove it, and bites any one who attempts to do so.[61]
If in spite of this, a man succeeds in seizing the treasure by force or by the power of mantras or incantations, it is believed that he leaves no heirs to use it.[62]
A belief is also current that such guardian snakes allow those persons to take away the treasures guarded by them if they are destined to possess them.[63]
To the south of Kolki there is a site of a deserted village. It is believed to contain a buried treasure which is guarded by a snake with white moustaches. This snake is seen roaming about the place.[64]
It is related that a Brāhman once read in an old paper that there was a treasure buried under a Shami tree in Deola. He communicated the information to the Thākor of Dhrol who secured the treasure by excavating the place. The Brāhman went to worship the spot, but was buried alive. The Thākor buried the treasure in his castle, but the Brāhman, becoming a snake, guarded the treasure and allowed none to touch it. All attempts to dig it up were frustrated by attacks of bees and the appearance of a snake.
A Kshatriya named Dev Karan, while the foundation of his house was being dug, found a treasure guarded by a snake. He killed the snake by pouring boiling oil over it and secured the treasure.