Ram temple donations safe, trust assures public
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Tuesday stated that it holds more than 30 kg of gold-like items and 1,518 kg of silver-like items, along with other valuables donated by devotees. The announcement comes amid allegations of embezzlement of donations at the temple.
Its Treasurer, Mahant Govind Dev Giri, said that all 2,926 valuable articles donated to the temple were “safe” and that their records were maintained. He gave the details after the Trust on Monday displayed several offerings to the temple, like a gold ‘Ramcharitmanas’ and a diamond-studded necklace, before the media.
A silver ‘charan paduka’ and a silver ‘Kakbhushundi’ artefact, which some social media posts claimed were missing or unaccounted for, were also displayed to the media. The Trust stated that the valuables include gold, silver, and diamond-studded ornaments, artefacts, crowns, necklaces, ‘charan paduka’, silver bricks, and other offerings donated by devotees since the consecration of the Ram temple. He stated that each donated article is recorded in the inventory with donor details, date of donation, and other relevant information. Referring to the silver Kakbhushundi artefact donated by Anita Bharadwaj, Giri confirmed that items subject to speculation remain secure in the temple’s custody. Giri reported that the Trust received 16.765 kg of gold-like items up to March 31, 2024, 10.445 kg in 2024-25, and 5.050 kg in 2025-26, totalling 32.259 kg as of March 31, 2026. The Trust’s silver holdings include both original silver articles and 849.272 kg of refined silver processed under government supervision.
Presenting the Trust’s inventory, Giri stated it holds 1,518.925 kg of silver and silver-like items, including 849.272 kg of refined silver and 32.259 kg of gold-like items as of March 31, 2026. He stated that all donated articles are recorded and undergo annual physical verification by an independent chartered accountant firm.
Giri added that silver articles sent for refining are processed through the Government of India Mint, with photographs, weight records, and purity certificates maintained. Every donor receives a receipt. He requested that anyone with evidence of irregularities submit it to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) rather than make unverified allegations. At its meeting on Monday, the Trust decided to strengthen its administrative and financial systems in response to the controversy regarding the alleged embezzlement of donations. Trust documents show that a chief executive officer (CEO) will be appointed to oversee administration and improve institutional functioning.
