Ram Temple donation row: Pilgrims flood Ayodhya, SIT probe draws saint and ex-Babri litigant support
Synopsis
Despite a live SIT probe into alleged donation theft at the Ram Mandir, pilgrims are arriving in undiminished numbers at Ayodhya — and in a striking show of cross-community solidarity, former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari is urging people to keep visiting. The controversy has, if anything, intensified public focus on the temple.
Key Takeaways
Pilgrims continued to arrive in large numbers at the Ram Temple , Ayodhya , on 15 July despite the ongoing donation controversy.
Arya Saint Varun Das urged the public to trust the SIT and await its final report before passing judgement.
Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari appealed for communal harmony and called the alleged incidents 'unfortunate', noting accused persons are already in custody.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had stated the SIT probe aims to separate fact from speculation.
Multiple devotees, including one on his fourth visit , reported no decline in faith or footfall at the temple complex.
Devotees continued to stream into the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in large numbers on Wednesday, 15 July, with pilgrims firmly asserting that their faith remains unshaken despite the ongoing Ram Mandir donation controversy. Even as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) pursues its probe into alleged donation-related irregularities, religious leaders and prominent local voices have urged the public to trust the investigation and preserve the sanctity of the temple city.
Steady Footfall at the Temple Complex
Visuals from the Jagadguru Shri Ramanandacharya Dwar of the Ram Temple showed devotees queuing from early morning to seek the darshan of Ram Lalla. Pilgrims arriving from across the country reported that the controversy had not deterred their plans or dampened their devotion. One devotee noted: 'I have come to the Ram Temple to offer prayers… After the donation theft case, more devotees are arriving.' Another pilgrim, on his fourth visit to the temple, said the fervour among worshippers was unchanged: 'I have come here many times. This is my fourth visit… There is no lack of faith. The crowd is the same as before.'
Saints Call for Patience in SIT Probe
Arya Saint Varun Das appealed to the public to await the SIT's findings before drawing conclusions. 'Everyone is looking towards the SIT, and people have expressed their trust in its investigation. Only after the report is submitted can it be determined whether the SIT has conducted a fair investigation or if there has been any attempt to cover up facts. As per the Chief Minister's statement, the investigation has been carried out with the aim of separating fact from fiction…' he said.
This comes amid mounting public scrutiny of the alleged irregularities, which have drawn significant attention across Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier stated that the probe is aimed at distinguishing verified facts from speculation.
Ex-Babri Litigant Iqbal Ansari Urges Communal Harmony
Former Babri Masjid case litigant Iqbal Ansari also weighed in, appealing for calm and the preservation of Ayodhya's reputation. 'Ayodhya is a sacred city. It is the abode of Lord Ram and the Ram Temple. People should come to Ayodhya, offer prayers, and seek the blessings of Lord Ram. As for the incidents that have taken place here, they are unfortunate. Those who committed wrongdoing are now behind bars. People should help preserve and beautify Ayodhya, and there is no need to publicise negative things about the city…' Ansari said. His remarks are notable given his historical association with the opposing side in the decades-long Babri Masjid title dispute — a signal that the appeal for Ayodhya's dignity cuts across old fault lines.
Background: The Donation Row and the SIT
The Uttar Pradesh state government constituted the SIT after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in donations received at the Ram Mandir. Accused individuals are reportedly already in custody, according to Ansari's statement. The probe is ongoing, and the SIT's report is awaited before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about the scope or nature of the alleged misconduct.
Notably, the controversy has not translated into a decline in pilgrimage activity — if anything, several devotees suggested the episode has reinforced rather than weakened public attachment to the temple. The SIT's eventual findings will be closely watched both for their legal implications and their potential impact on the temple's administration and public trust.
Point of View
Timeline, and eventual findings will determine whether the Uttar Pradesh government can contain the reputational damage to a temple that carries enormous political and civilisational symbolism. The fact that Iqbal Ansari — historically on the other side of the Babri dispute — is publicly defending Ayodhya's image is a remarkable political moment that mainstream coverage has largely underplayed. What the probe must ultimately answer is not just who took what, but whether oversight mechanisms at the Ram Mandir Trust are structurally robust enough to prevent recurrence.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Mandir donation controversy in Ayodhya?
The Ram Mandir donation controversy refers to allegations of irregularities and theft involving donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged misconduct, and accused individuals are reportedly already in custody.
Has the donation row affected pilgrim footfall at the Ram Temple?
No — pilgrims have continued to arrive in large numbers at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya despite the controversy. Several devotees said their faith remains unshaken, with one visitor noting that footfall has, if anything, increased since the row came to light.
Who is Iqbal Ansari and why is his statement significant?
Iqbal Ansari is a former litigant in the Babri Masjid title dispute case. His appeal for communal harmony and support for the SIT probe is significant because it comes from someone historically associated with the opposing side of the decades-long legal battle over the site.
What has the Uttar Pradesh government said about the SIT probe?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stated that the SIT investigation is aimed at separating verified facts from speculation. The probe is ongoing, and the SIT's report is awaited before conclusions can be drawn about the full scope of the alleged irregularities.
What did saint Varun Das say about the investigation?
Arya Saint Varun Das urged the public to place their trust in the SIT and wait for its report before judging the outcome. He said the investigation's fairness could only be assessed once the final findings are submitted.
