Vaishno Devi To Jagannath And Siddhivinayak: How India's Richest Temples Keep Your Donation Safe

Published 3 July 2026 · india

Vaishno Devi To Jagannath And Siddhivinayak: How India's Richest Temples Keep Your Donation Safe Written By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 13:25 IST Unlike many

Vaishno Devi To Jagannath And Siddhivinayak: How India's Richest Temples Keep Your Donation Safe Written By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 13:25 IST Unlike many of India’s older temples, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust does not function under a dedicated state law Rapid Read Most major temples follow multi-layered systems designed to ensure that every rupee donated by devotees is accounted for. (AI-Generated Image) The donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has done more than trigger a criminal investigation; it has sparked a larger debate over how India’s temples protect the crores of rupees donated by devotees every year. As investigators probe alleged lapses in Ayodhya’s donation handling system, attention has turned to the elaborate safeguards followed by some of the country’s biggest shrines—from Tirupati and Jagannath to Vaishno Devi and Siddhivinayak. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust receives an estimated Rs 75 lakh in donations every day, with the figure rising sharply during festivals. An SIT is currently probing allegations that employees handling these offerings siphoned off cash by exploiting CCTV blind spots and procedural gaps. ALSO READ | After SIT, Central Agency Next? UP Govt Weighs Big Move In Ayodhya Ram Temple Theft Case While the investigation is specific to Ayodhya, most major temples follow multi-layered systems designed to ensure that every rupee donated by devotees is accounted for. How Does The Donation Process Usually Work? Across India’s largest temples, the broad process is remarkably similar. Once devotees place cash, jewellery or valuables into hundis (donation boxes), only authorised personnel open the donation boxes. The cash, coins and valuables are transported to designated counting centres where donations are segregated and counted. The entries related to them are recorded and verified. While the cash is deposited into designated bank accounts, the jewellery is inventoried and stored securely. The entire chain is generally covered by CCTV surveillance and involves multiple officials to reduce the possibility of manipulation. How Do Different Temples Protect Donations? Tirupati Balaji The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the world’s richest temples, follows one of India’s most sophisticated donation systems. ALSO READ | Retired IAS Officer Likely To Be Picked As CEO Of Ram Temple Trust As Probe Into Donation Theft Widens Its famous Parakamani (donation counting) process involves permanent finance staff, representatives from nationalised banks, and carefully vetted volunteers, including serving and retired government officials.