Ayodhya Ram Temple completes 10‑day purification ceremony amid theft probe

After allegations of theft of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust organised a 10‑day penance and purification ceremony that began on 15 July and concluded on 25 July with a full havan and special puja. Trustees Mahant Dinendra Das and Mahant Krishna Mohan led the rites, which were performed under the supervision of about 70 Vedic scholars and included Vedic chanting, havan, Rudrabhishek and Ramarchana.

The theft case is scheduled for a hearing before the Supreme Court of India on Monday, where the Court ordered the formation of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Religious leaders said pilgrim access and worship remain unaffected and welcomed the court’s involvement, expecting the decision to be in the nation's interest. BJP leader R.P. Singh praised the swift establishment of the SIT, calling it essential for transparency. The temple also announced preparations for the upcoming Shravan Jhulanotsav, assuring that all activities will follow traditional customs.

Investigations and arrests related to the alleged theft have already taken place, and the SIT is expected to bring further clarity to the case.