Fake online passes for Bhubaneswar’s Lingaraj Temple surface; ‘promotional package, not VIP pass,’ claims firm

In a shocking development ahead of Maha Shivratri, fraudulent passes claiming to offer special entry into the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar are reportedly being circulated online. 

As per sources, miscreants are allegedly selling these passes for Rs 1,800, promising devotees’ hassle-free darshan of Lord Lingaraj without standing in queues or facing heavy crowds.

The matter came to light after a woman identified as Tulsi Rajeswari shared information about the passes on her social media account. The post drew significant attention, raising concerns among devotees and temple authorities.

Following the revelations, servitors of the temple have lodged a complaint with the Commissionerate Police, seeking immediate action against those involved in the alleged scam.

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“A lady is selling these passes via online for Rs 1799. We have lodged a complaint about the matter in the police station. Servitors are working very hard to provide service to the Lord and the public will not be able to know about it.  The lady is selling these passes by mentioning no queue and VIP darshan. When we tried to communicate with the phone number, she only interacted with few words and never received our calls again. The lady is identified as Tulsi Rajeswari. We don't want people to be cheated by purchasing the fraudulent passes. We have lodged a complaint about the matter with the Commissionerate Police and he has promised us to take stern action,” said a servitor of Lord Lingaraj.

'Promotional package, not VIP pass'

Meanwhile, responding to the allegations, Tulsi Rajeswari said that ‘at no point did our company issue, sell, fabricate, or claim to issue any ‘VIP pass’ or temple-authorised entry pass for darshan at Lingaraj Temple’.

“The promotional material circulated online described a devotional service package of Rs 1799 that included, Puja Samagri, Guided devotional assistance, Pickup and drop transportation services. There was no statement in the campaign that any official temple-issued pass was being provided,” she clarified.

She further said, “The social media campaign was intended to gauge interest and generate enquiries from devotees who wished to visit Bhubaneswar during Mahashivratri. Upon receiving enquiries, devotees would have been individually informed about the logistical details, including transportation, devotional assistance, and coordination for darshan in compliance with applicable local arrangements.”

No passes were printed, issued, or circulated by the company… The phrase “No Queue, No Rush” was used in a promotional and devotional context, commonly employed in travel marketing language, and not as a representation of issuance of any formal VIP entry credential. No devotee has alleged cheating, she stated, adding, “We remain fully cooperative with the authorities and are ready to provide any necessary information to clarify the matter.”

Speaking on the matter, Police Commissioner S Devadutta Singh said, “If we find any duplicate passes, stern actions will be taken. Passes will only be provided for the transportation of goods meant for worship and for those in duties. We will try our best to ensure smooth and peaceful darshan of the devotees.”