Probe Ayodhya temple fund misuse, punish the guilty: Seer

Davanagere: Jagadguru Channasiddharama Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji of the Srisaila Peetha on Saturday expressed serious concern over allegations of misuse and financial irregularities involving donations made by devotees to the Ayodhya Ram Temple and urged the govt to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation.Speaking to reporters in Davanagere, the seer said he was not fully aware of the details as he had recently returned from the Kailasa-Manasa Sarovara pilgrimage. However, he stressed that all facts must be thoroughly verified before holding anyone accountable. He noted that devotees had contributed to the Ram Temple out of faith, devotion and religious sentiment.“If those funds were indeed misused or misappropriated, it would amount not only to a financial offence but also to a betrayal of the trust reposed by millions of devotees,” the seer said.He emphasised that safeguarding the sanctity of religious institutions and preserving public trust is a collective responsibility. If the allegations are found to be true, those responsible must face strict legal action, irrespective of their influence or institutional affiliation.“The govt should introduce stronger transparency measures and ensure stricter oversight of the financial dealings of religious institutions to prevent such incidents in future,” he said.

Responding to the caste census being undertaken by the Centre, the Swamiji said a consultation meeting of heads of the five peethas would soon be convened to decide what details members of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community should record during the exercise.“The meeting is likely to be held in Davanagere, and the date will be announced shortly. After discussions with like-minded seers from various mutts, an official guideline will be issued for the community,” he added.