Dwarka Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati has strongly condemned the alleged theft of nearly ₹200 crore from donation boxes at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, calling it an assault on faith and demanding the formation of a Sanatan Dharma Board to manage temple affairs.

Speaking to reporters during a brief halt in Jabalpur before heading to the Paramhansi Ganga Ashram, the seer said temple administration by government officials has failed devotees.

"Officials who oversee temple management view these sacred places as nothing more than tourist destinations. They have no understanding of scriptures, no knowledge of religious protocols, no awareness of sin and virtue," Shankaracharya said.

He questioned the competence of those handling temple funds, referring to the recent incident where around 50 employees involved in counting donations at the Ram Mandir have come under suspicion. "This work should not be done by people who lack religious sensibility. The transferable nature of government employees means they have no permanent connection to these sacred spaces," he added.

'Faith has been deeply hurt'

The Shankaracharya expressed anguish over the developments at Ayodhya, which had witnessed unprecedented celebration following the temple's consecration. "Until recently, devotees were experiencing immense joy after the Ram Mandir's construction. This incident has dealt a severe blow to that happiness. Such news does not reflect well on the country," he said.

He emphasised that devotees visit temples not as tourists but as seekers of spiritual energy. "For Sanatan Dharma followers, temples are tapobhumi (spiritual lands) where divine presence resides. People offer their hard-earned money with faith, and it must be utilised properly by honest individuals," Saraswati said.

Demand for Sanatan Board

The seer reiterated the long-pending demand for a Sanatan Dharma Protection Committee or Sanatan Dharma Board. "Those who understand religious matters should handle religious places. The government has no right to spend temple funds. Let the administration preserve ancient heritage, but temple operations must be handed over to those who live the faith," he insisted.Stressing the need for stricter punishment, he said, "Those who committed this crime must face severe penalty. This will serve as a deterrent not just in Ayodhya but across all temples in the country."

The Shankaracharya also expressed concern that post-independence aspirations to preserve India's culture, heritage, and traditional education system have not materialised. He said temple income should be used to build gaushalas, pathshalas, yajshalas, dharamshalas, and dispensaries. "Wherever temples exist, development should follow," he added.

Further details on the ongoing investigation are awaited. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the seer's remarks.