Reduction in cash offerings in Ram temple, now more notes of Rs 10-20-50; 100-500 less

There is also a decline in the cash offerings received in the Ram temple. It is being told that earlier during the counting, more bundles of notes of Rs 100, 200 and 500 were made, whereas now the number of notes of Rs 10, 20 and 50 is more. Sources are linking this to the change in the way devotees donate after recent developments. However, no official statement has been issued yet by the Temple Trust regarding the decrease in the number of devotees or decline in offerings. In such a situation, independent official confirmation of the decline in offerings and its reasons is yet to be done.

The controversy related to theft of offerings by some employees of Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya has troubled every sensible person in the country. Temples are sacred places and offerings are not just donations but a personal connection between the deity and the devotee. Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians because of the 500-year-long struggle that preceded its reconstruction. Because of the deep emotional attachment to the Ram temple, which was reflected in the grand celebrations during the consecration ceremony in January 2024, people were now deeply saddened by the news of the theft.

Why is people’s trust breaking?

There is another reason for people’s anger. The temple is being managed by people associated with the Sangh Parivar, whose record of honesty, truthfulness and discipline has been impeccable. It is because of people’s trust in the Sangh Parivar that a lot of offerings in the form of cash and goods come to Ayodhya. Due to this breaking of trust, people’s resentment increased further.

The leaders of the family were aware of the seriousness of the public resentment. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale issued a strongly worded statement demanding strict punishment to the culprits. He also asked the temple trust to ensure “proper financial management, a no-fault and transparent functioning system and an environment of sanctity, purity and true religiosity”. At the same time, there is a group of saints and eminent citizens of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and which has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the temple. And taking swift action, the work of investigation was handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government.