Intro: Temple authorities said devotees remain steadfast as construction nears completion despite the recent donation theft controversy at Ram Mandir.
Ayodhya
Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra on Sunday said that the recent donation theft controversy has not affected the faith of devotees visiting the temple in Ayodhya, asserting that pilgrims continue to arrive in large numbers without any signs of hesitation or distrust in the temple administration.
Addressing concerns over whether the donation row had impacted footfall at the temple, Misra said he did not have official data regarding the number of visitors since the incident. However, based on his interactions with devotees and feedback received from those associated with temple management, there has been no noticeable decline in the number of worshippers offering prayers.
According to Misra, devotees remain focused on their religious beliefs rather than the controversy surrounding the theft of donations. He said their primary objective is to seek the blessings of Lord Ram, and that commitment continues to draw pilgrims to the temple every day.
He further noted that the number of visitors increases significantly during weekends, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. Misra also pointed out that nearby Hanuman Garhi continues to witness substantial crowds, dismissing speculation that the controversy had discouraged people from visiting Ayodhya.
Referring to the donation theft incident, Misra described it as a matter of deep regret for everyone associated with the temple administration. He acknowledged that the episode had caused disappointment and emphasized that it highlighted the need for stronger administrative systems.
He assured devotees that necessary improvements would be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future. Expressing confidence in the corrective measures, Misra said the administration was committed to strengthening security and operational procedures to ensure that such lapses do not recur.