Temple donation security under spotlight after Ayodhya row
The recent controversy over alleged fund theft at the Ayodhya Ram temple has put the spotlight on how major Hindu temples across India safeguard devotees' offerings. While the system has largely held firm, the CID recently launched a probe into alleged embezzlement by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) staff, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Tirupati: Live-streamed counting and underground strongroom
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, one of the richest temple trusts in the world, collects an estimated ₹1,200 crore annually in donations. To prevent theft, all hundi (offering box) collections are counted in a live-streamed process inside a secure underground hall. The counting is monitored by CCTV cameras and overseen by officials from multiple departments. According to TTD officials, the process involves at least three layers of checks, including surprise audits.
Sabarimala: Digital donations and token system
Sabarimala temple in Kerala, which sees over 50 million pilgrims annually, has moved to a digital-first approach. Donations can be made via online portals, and physical offerings are collected in sealed hundis that are opened only in the presence of senior priests and police. The temple also uses a token system for valuable items like gold and silver, which are weighed and recorded immediately. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, says that all offerings are deposited in designated banks within 24 hours.
Meenakshi Temple: Manual checks and CCTV
Madurai's Meenakshi Amman Temple, with an annual donation inflow of around ₹50 crore, relies on a combination of manual counting and CCTV surveillance. The temple has a dedicated counting room with restricted access, and each hundi is opened by a team of three priests in the presence of temple trustees. According to temple administration, the process is videotaped and audited monthly by an external agency.
Shirdi Sai Baba: Centralised counting and deposit
The Shri Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, which receives donations worth over ₹400 crore annually, has a centralised counting facility. All offerings from multiple hundis are transported under armed guard to a secure room where they are sorted, counted and deposited in a bank the same day. The temple trust employs a private security firm and uses tamper-proof seals on all hundis.
Challenges and reforms
Despite these measures, temple fund theft remains a concern. The CID probe into TTD staff embezzlement, launched in early 2026, has exposed gaps in internal oversight. According to sources, the alleged theft involved collusion between temple employees and private contractors. In response, the TTD has announced plans to introduce blockchain-based tracking for all donations starting July 2026.
Other temples are also tightening security. The Ayodhya Ram temple trust has said it will install additional CCTV cameras and hire an independent auditor. Meanwhile, the Kerala government has proposed a law to make temple audits mandatory every six months.
Public trust and transparency
The sanctity of temple offerings is crucial for maintaining public trust. As one TTD official put it, "Devotees give with faith, and it is our duty to ensure every rupee reaches its intended purpose." The ongoing reforms aim to strengthen that trust through technology and stricter oversight.
