Even though the controversy regarding alleged manipulation in offerings in the Ram temple remains in the headlines, it does not seem to have any impact on the faith of the devotees or the donations coming to the temple. On the contrary, sources say that there has been a significant increase in the daily donations received in the temple in recent weeks. There has been a big increase in the amount of donations before and after the offering controversy in Ayodhya. One reason for this is said to be summer vacation. Due to summer vacation, more number of devotees are coming for darshan.
According to sources, before June 7, an average of Rs 16-18 lakh was deposited in the bank as offering every day. After the start of this controversy, this average has reached between 22-24 lakhs. This is about six lakh rupees more.
That means there has been an increase in the earlier average and the current average. Due to more crowd on weekends and closure of banks, more money was deposited on Monday. The question is whether around Rs 5-6 lakh were being stolen every day?
Increase in donations and offerings
Ram Mandir On the increase in the offerings, Dharma Sena President and Karsevak Santosh Dubey said, small thieves have been caught, if the big thieves are thrown out then the offerings will increase. The thieves who are still sitting inside are scared and are unable to do anything. The lakhs of rupees that are stolen daily are not going anywhere, so the amount will definitely appear to have increased.
Sources say that this increase has happened mainly in view of the increasing number of devotees coming to Ayodhya from all over the country. The crowd of devotees coming to see Ram Lala during the holidays has increased the donations and offerings in the temple accordingly.
This incident has happened amid the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities related to temple offerings. Recently, an FIR was registered in connection with alleged theft of offerings, triggering a political debate and public scrutiny over the management and handling of donations at the temple. The matter is still under investigation.
However, new donation figures show that the controversy has not dampened the enthusiasm or confidence of devotees. Sources associated with the temple said that despite the allegations, the increase in offerings shows the continued faith of the pilgrims.
How do devotees donate?
More than 20 big donation boxes have been installed on the darshan path near the sanctum sanctorum, from which devotees can donate directly. Donations are also taken through online platforms and at five computerized counters inside the temple premises.
Temple sources estimate that around 12 crore devotees have visited the Ram temple between January 22, 2024 and mid-2026. On a typical day, around 50,000 to 60,000 devotees visit the temple, while on weekends, festivals and special religious occasions this number often doubles.
Apart from cash donation, devotees also offer gold, silver, jewellery, clothes and other valuables to the temple. Sources said there are indications that overall donations, including cash offerings, have increased in recent weeks despite the controversy over the alleged theft case.
Input: Abhijeet Thakur
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