Maihar, Madhya Pradesh: A controversy has erupted at the famous Sharda Mata Temple in Maihar after allegations of misappropriation of donations surfaced. A devotee from Jabalpur has claimed that a 2 kg silver crown and a gold nose ring he offered at the temple went missing. The matter gained public attention after a notice issued by the district administration regarding the temple priest went viral on social media, raising questions about the sanctity of offerings.
Details of the Case
- According to sources, the incident occurred on 22 October 2025.
- Sanjay Patel, a businessman from Jabalpur, alleged that he handed over a silver crown, mukut (headdress), and gold nose ring to the temple priest Sumit Maharaj before the evening aarti.
- Patel claimed that he was not issued a receipt for the valuable offerings.
- After not receiving a receipt for a week, he lodged a verbal complaint with the Maihar Collector on 30 October 2025.
- Preliminary inquiry reportedly suggested that the offerings were not deposited in the temple treasury immediately.
Priest Denies Allegations
- Temple chief priest Pawan Maharaj dismissed the allegations as a conspiracy to defame the temple.
- He stated that as per the devotee’s request, the offerings were kept at the feet of the deity for a week and were formally deposited in the temple treasury on 28 October 2025.
- Maharaj emphasized that the matter is being deliberately misrepresented to create a scandal.
Administration Response
- Divya Patel, SDM of Maihar, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
- Notices have been issued to temple staff and other concerned individuals.
- “We have received responses from all parties involved, and further action will be taken based on these submissions,” said the SDM.
The controversy has sparked widespread discussion among devotees, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding temple donations and accountability in religious institutions.
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