Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati of the Shree Dwarka Shardapeeth on 4 July strongly condemned the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, calling it not merely a financial crime but a profound betrayal of the faith of crores of devotees. Speaking from Dwarka, Gujarat, the seer demanded a thorough, impartial, and fearless investigation into the matter.

The Allegation and Its Religious Weight

The Shankaracharya stated that offerings made at the feet of Lord Ram constitute divine wealth, and any misappropriation of such funds amounts to a grave religious offence. He warned authorities that lower-level temple employees must not be made scapegoats while those truly responsible are shielded from accountability. 'The government's role is to provide facilities, not to manage religious rituals,' he asserted.

Call for a Sanatan Board

Swami Sadanand Saraswati criticised the prevailing model of government-controlled temple administration, arguing that governments often lack adequate understanding of Sanatan Dharma and Hindu scriptures. He pointed to what he described as a discriminatory pattern, noting that no comparable state control exists over mosques, churches, or gurudwaras. He called for the formation of an independent 'Sanatan Board' to oversee Hindu temple management, and proposed a guiding religious council comprising Shankaracharyas from the four peeths and respected saints to ensure proper oversight.

Transparency Demands for Ram Janmabhoomi Trust

The seer urged the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust to publish a detailed white paper covering all donations received and expenditures made. He outlined five mandatory principles for managing temple funds: digital and written records of every donation; annual independent audits; public disclosure of income and expenditure; joint supervision by religious leaders and financial experts; and a clear explanation of every expense to devotees.

Against Commercialisation of Darshan

Swami Sadanand Saraswati cautioned against commercialising the darshan experience at the Ram Mandir, emphasising that sacred sites such as Ayodhya must remain centres of devotion and penance — not tourist destinations or business enterprises. He noted that while individuals may err, the sanctity of Ram Janmabhoomi and Sanatan Dharma remains eternal.

What the Shankaracharya Said About His Motive

The seer clarified that his concerns are neither political nor directed against any individual, but are solely aimed at protecting dharma, truth, and public faith. He appealed to all stakeholders to ensure swift justice so that the glory of Lord Ram and the trust of crores of devotees are upheld. The alleged theft case has renewed wider debate about the governance of major Hindu religious institutions and the accountability of their financial management.