The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation row has sparked political debate after allegations claimed that donations from devotees worth millions of rupees were not handled properly. The Ram Temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of India’s most visited religious sites and attracts around 50 million pilgrims every year.
Built on the site of the former Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh, the temple receives cash, gold, silver and jewellery donations from devotees. Recent allegations have raised concerns about how these offerings were managed, leading to demands for an independent investigation.
Uttar Pradesh Orders Investigation Into the Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row
Special Investigation Team Begins Probe
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the allegations linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation row.
Police have also registered a case against eight people suspected of involvement in the alleged misuse of donations. Investigators are questioning the accused as the inquiry continues.
Temple Trust Denies Financial Irregularities
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple, has rejected all allegations.
Trust officials say they follow transparent procedures to count and audit donations and insist there is no evidence of missing funds.
How Donations Are Managed at the Ram Temple
Thousands of Devotees Visit Every Day
The Ram Temple welcomes between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors daily, with even larger crowds during weekends and festivals.
Devotees place cash and valuables into approximately 35 donation boxes located across the temple complex.
Trust Says Audits Show No Discrepancies
The trust reported receiving around ₹3.27 billion in donations during the 2024–25 financial year.
General Secretary Champat Rai said trustees, staff members and officials from the State Bank of India regularly audit the counting process. According to the trust, these audits have not found any financial discrepancies.
Why the Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row Matters
Temple Holds Religious and Political Significance
The Ram Temple stands at one of India’s most significant religious sites, which many Hindus believe is the birthplace of Lord Ram.
Following the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict, construction of the temple became one of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s most important achievements and fulfilled a long-standing election promise.
Controversy Draws National Attention
Because of the temple’s religious and political importance, the allegations have attracted nationwide attention and prompted demands for greater transparency.
How the Allegations Came to Light
Former Employee Raised Concerns
The Ayodhya Ram Temple donation row began after former accounts supervisor Mahipal Singh alleged irregularities in the handling of donations.
Singh claimed officials removed him from his position after he raised concerns about the management of cash and precious metal offerings.
Political Leaders Demand Answers
The allegations gained wider attention after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for an investigation.
Several opposition leaders and some BJP members have also demanded greater accountability in the temple’s financial management.
Public Calls for a Fair Investigation
Residents Seek Transparency
Many Ayodhya residents say donations should only support temple maintenance and services for pilgrims.
Several devotees believe a transparent investigation is necessary to maintain public trust in one of India’s most important religious institutions.
Investigation Continues
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged people not to reach conclusions before the investigation is complete.
Meanwhile, petitions filed in the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court seek a court-monitored investigation, arguing that an independent inquiry would help restore public confidence.
