Shankaracharya Questions Ram Mandir Trust Functioning, Alleges Shift from Spiritual Mission to Commercial Management

Ayodhya:

 Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, has raised concerns over the functioning of the Ram Mandir Trust, alleging that the institution has moved away from its original religious objectives and is being operated more like a “business centre” than a spiritual establishment.
Speaking to reporters, the seer claimed that the character of the trust changed after saints and acharyas were removed from key decision-making positions and replaced by individuals whom he described as having political affiliations. According to him, this transition weakened the traditional religious oversight that should guide the management of a temple of such historic and spiritual importance.
The Shankaracharya also referred to recent allegations concerning donations and reports of cash recoveries, stating that such developments have raised serious questions about the trust’s functioning. He argued that the concerns now being voiced in Ayodhya are a consequence of transforming a religious institution into an administrative and commercial enterprise.
His remarks come amid an ongoing debate over the governance of major religious institutions and the balance between administrative management and spiritual leadership. The comments made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand reflect his views and allegations, which have not been independently verified.
The controversy is likely to intensify discussions on the role of religious leaders in temple administration and the mechanisms required to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of prominent religious institutions.