Ram Temple devotees must stay central to every decision: Nripendra Misra
Synopsis
Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra has placed devotees at the philosophical centre of the temple's administration — even as the complex deals with a donation theft that he called a matter of 'deep regret.' With the memorial due by end of July and the boundary wall by 30 September, the iconic Ayodhya shrine is in its final construction stretch.
Key Takeaways
Nripendra Misra , Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee , on 12 July said devotees must remain the central focus of every temple decision.
Misra called the recent donation theft at the Ram Mandir a matter of 'deep regret' and assured systemic improvements to prevent recurrence.
The Ram Mandir construction has entered its final phase; the memorial is expected to be completed by the end of July .
The arrangement for a 24-hour 'jwala' at the old temple precinct remains pending.
The temple's boundary wall is on track for completion by 30 September , per Misra's site inspection.
Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra on Sunday, 12 July reaffirmed that devotees must remain the central focus of every decision concerning the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, while also offering prayers for national progress and the well-being of all citizens. His remarks came during a visit to the temple complex, where he also reviewed ongoing construction work.
Devotees at the Heart of Temple Administration
Misra was unequivocal about the temple's governing philosophy. 'The devotee is always the central focus of the temple, nothing else. A temple exists for its devotees, and whenever we make decisions or take any step, the devotee should remain at the centre of our thoughts and actions,' he said.
He also invoked the spiritual significance of the shrine, stating: 'We pray to Lord Ram, the embodiment of righteousness and virtue, to bless the nation with greater progress and ensure the well-being of all its citizens. Lord Ram means everything to us. As followers of Sanatan Dharma, we are devoted to Him and always remember and seek His guidance wherever we are.'
Donation Theft: A Matter of Deep Regret
A day earlier, on Saturday, 11 July, Misra addressed the recent theft of donations at the Ram Mandir, calling it a matter of 'deep regret' for the entire temple administration. He acknowledged the incident had caused widespread concern and said systemic improvements would be made to prevent a recurrence.
'The incident that occurred at the Ram Mandir is a matter of deep regret for all of us. We not only feel sorry, but also feel diminished by what has happened. It is a matter related to the system, and improvements will certainly be made. I have full faith that such incidents will not be repeated,' Misra said.
Construction Enters Final Phase
Misra confirmed that the Ram Mandir construction project has entered its final phase, with only two major tasks remaining. The first involves the old temple precinct and its memorial, where most work is complete but the arrangement for a 24-hour 'jwala' (eternal flame) is still pending. The second is the completion of the memorial itself, which he said is expected to be finished by the end of July.
He also reviewed progress on the temple's boundary wall and expressed confidence that it would be completed on schedule. 'I inspected the site yesterday, and based on the current pace of work, I am confident that the boundary wall will be completed by September 30,' he said.
What Comes Next
With the boundary wall on track for a 30 September deadline and the memorial expected by month's end, the Ram Mandir complex is nearing full completion. The administration's immediate priority, however, appears to be restoring confidence among devotees following the donation theft episode — a reputational challenge for one of India's most visited religious sites.
Point of View
However isolated, risks becoming a political liability. The assurance of 'systemic improvements' without specifics is the standard post-incident language — the real test will be whether independent audit mechanisms are introduced, not just internal fixes.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nripendra Misra say about the Ram Temple and devotees?
Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, said on 12 July that devotees must always remain the central focus of every decision and action concerning the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He stressed that the temple exists for its devotees and all administration should reflect that priority.
What happened in the Ram Mandir donation theft incident?
A theft of donations was reported at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which Misra described on 11 July as a matter of 'deep regret.' He said the incident had caused concern among everyone and assured that systemic improvements would be made to ensure such incidents do not recur.
How close is the Ram Mandir to full completion?
The Ram Mandir construction has entered its final phase with two major tasks remaining: completing the 24-hour 'jwala' arrangement at the old temple precinct and finishing the memorial, expected by end of July. The boundary wall is on track for completion by 30 September.
When will the Ram Mandir boundary wall be completed?
Nripendra Misra said after a site inspection that the boundary wall is expected to be completed by 30 September, based on the current pace of construction work.
What is the 24-hour 'jwala' at the Ram Mandir?
The 24-hour 'jwala' refers to an eternal flame arrangement planned for the old temple precinct within the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya. According to Misra, this is one of the two remaining tasks before the project reaches full completion.
