Dharamshala, January 4: Allegations of discrepancies and irregularities in the records of offerings at the revered Shaktipeeth Jwalaji Temple have come to light, prompting the Temple Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, to order a thorough investigation into the matter.

According to the complaint filed with the temple commissioner’s office, there have been reports that precious offerings, including gold and silver, are not being recorded in the temple’s official records in a timely manner. The issue pertains not only to cash offerings but also to the precious metals that devotees contribute. The complainant alleges that during the counting process, these precious items are not properly documented, raising questions about accountability and transparency at the temple.

Additionally, concerns have been raised over the practice of exchanging smaller currency notes (such as Rs 10, 20, 50, and 100) offered by devotees for Rs 500 notes outside the counting room. According to temple regulations, the offerings should remain in the counting room, and no amount should be taken out until it is properly counted and recorded. The alleged exchange process with some identified individuals is seen as a breach of protocol and has added weight to the complaints regarding mismanagement.

Temple Trust Under Scrutiny

In light of the complaints, there have been accusations against some temple trust employees of compromising the integrity of the temple’s operations. This is not the first time that irregularities have been reported at the temple. Recently, a case surfaced where vehicles were found to be parked on the main road near the temple, despite the area being designated as a no-vehicle zone. The incident has raised concerns about the temple’s management and the trust’s ability to enforce its rules.

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In response to the complaints, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, who also serves as the Temple Commissioner, has instructed a full-scale investigation into the matter. He emphasized that if the allegations are found to be true, strict action would be taken against those responsible.

Next Steps in Investigation

The investigation will focus on the temple’s record-keeping practices for offerings, especially the handling of gold, silver, and currency. Temple authorities are expected to cooperate with the investigation, which will determine if there has been any mismanagement or negligence in the documentation process.

As the investigation proceeds, the temple’s management is under scrutiny to ensure that offerings are accounted for properly, and that the trust upholds its responsibility to maintain transparency and integrity. The outcome of the inquiry will determine the future course of action, including potential disciplinary measures against those involved in any wrongdoing.

In the meantime, devotees have been urged to continue their offerings while the investigation is carried out, ensuring that the sanctity and trust of the temple remain intact.