Hindu body demands temples be freed from government control. Photo credit: ANI The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) on Monday called for an immediate investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, urging the government to take strict action against those responsible while renewing its demand that temples be managed solely by devotees.In a statement, the organisation described the alleged misuse of temple funds as a ‘grave sin’ and said the matter should be investigated without delay.”Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is not merely a place of worship but a symbol of the centuries-long sacrifices, prolonged struggle, and unwavering faith of crores of Hindus across the world,” the HJS said in its release, according to PTI.The organisation added that the government must “swiftly investigate the matter to bring the truth before the people and ensure the strictest action.”Using the controversy to reiterate its long-standing position on temple administration, the HJS opposed any move to place religious institutions under government control.”How can government officials who are themselves corrupt be expected to prevent corruption in temple committees? Therefore, there should be no interference by a secular government in religious institutions,” said Ramesh Shinde, the samiti’s national spokesperson.Shinde argued that several temples across the country had witnessed increased corruption after coming under state administration.He said temple management should instead be entrusted to genuine devotees who regard temple management as an act of selfless service to the deity.The HJS maintained that religious institutions should remain independent of government control and insisted that devotees were best placed to safeguard the sanctity and administration of temples.The organisation’s statement comes amid allegations of financial irregularities involving offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who don’t have many close friends may be more selective in love, and that’s not always a bad thing10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly love123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) on Monday called for an immediate investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, urging the government to take strict action against those responsible while renewing its demand that temples be managed solely by devotees.In a statement, the organisation described the alleged misuse of temple funds as a ‘grave sin’ and said the matter should be investigated without delay.“Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is not merely a place of worship but a symbol of the centuries-long sacrifices, prolonged struggle, and unwavering faith of crores of Hindus across the world,” the HJS said in its release, according to PTI.The organisation added that the government must “swiftly investigate the matter to bring the truth before the people and ensure the strictest action.”Using the controversy to reiterate its long-standing position on temple administration, the HJS opposed any move to place religious institutions under government control.“How can government officials who are themselves corrupt be expected to prevent corruption in temple committees? Therefore, there should be no interference by a secular government in religious institutions,” said Ramesh Shinde, the samiti’s national spokesperson.Shinde argued that several temples across the country had witnessed increased corruption after coming under state administration.He said temple management should instead be entrusted to genuine devotees who regard temple management as an act of selfless service to the deity.The HJS maintained that religious institutions should remain independent of government control and insisted that devotees were best placed to safeguard the sanctity and administration of temples.The organisation’s statement comes amid allegations of financial irregularities involving offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
