TV
In a troubling revelation, fake portals are luring devotees with promises of ‘special paid darshan’ inside the Puri Jagannath Temple. Along similar lines, a paid darshan scam caught on camera by devotees has further marred the sanctity of the holy 12th-century temple.
According to reports, a website named ‘India Thrills’ has been allegedly caught advertising different categories of ‘unrestricted entry’ inside the Puri Srimandir. Its website lists packages such as Rs 100 for ‘quick darshan,’ Rs 500 for ‘VIP darshan,’ and even Rs 50 for ‘night darshan.’ To appear credible, the site features elaborate details on the temple’s history, rituals, and timings.
Meanwhile, Srimandir officials clarified that darshan is entirely free and no such scheme exists. Yet, not just India Thrills, multiple websites have been found circulating similar misinformation, some quoting puja charges in rupees and even in dollars for overseas devotees.
Temple Administration Files Complaint
Following complaints, the Jagannath Temple’s security administrator, Hemant Padhi, lodged a formal case with the Cyber Police. “Darshan at the temple is free. Anyone charging money online in the name of darshan is cheating devotees,” Padhi said.
Puri SP Prateek Singh confirmed that cyber experts have begun an investigation. “This is not the first attempt. We have observed repeated fraud through online channels targeting devotees. This time, the matter is being probed thoroughly, and strict action will follow,” Singh assured.
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Cash-For-Darshan Allegations On Ground
While fake portals exploit faith in the digital space, ground-level malpractices also continue to worry devotees. Recent viral videos from the Singhadwar show temple staff and volunteers allegedly accepting cash to facilitate entry, despite strict protocols and police presence.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism as it mirrors past episodes where similar malpractice was exposed. Temple authorities expelled one volunteer in a previous case, but fresh visuals suggest that loopholes remain.
In response, the Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhi, and Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida have both ordered inquiries. The Puri police officials have launched a probe into the matter and assured action.
