Not Ambani, Adani, Or Tata: Who Donated The Highest Amount For Ayodhya Ram Temple?

Renowned spiritual guru Morari Bapu has emerged as the highest amount of contributor to the Ayodhya Ram Temple construction, actively supported by donations from his followers.

According to information available on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust website, Morari Bapu has donated a total amount of Rs 11.3 crore towards the Ram Temple's development. His followers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have individually contributed an additional Rs 8 crore.

The overall donations for the Ram Temple project have surpassed Rs 5,500 crore to date.

Morari Bapu's name prominently tops the list of benefactors due to his heartfelt contribution of Rs 11.3 crore. In a statement, Bapu affirmed that the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust has already received Rs 11.3 crore from him, with the remaining funds collected from overseas contributors to be handed over during his Katha performance in February. Consequently, the total donation amount stands at Rs 18.6 crore.

Meanwhile, amidst numerous contributors, one individual stands out prominently-Dilip Kumar V Lakhi and his family, well-known diamond merchants hailing from Surat. Their exceptional act of generosity encompasses a gift of 101 kg of gold, a total donation estimated at around 68 crore rupees. This gold will be utilized to embellish the doors, sanctum sanctorum, trishul, damaru, and pillars of the Ram Mandir, enhancing the sacred edifice with a beautiful touch.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust website specifies that the Central Government recognizes the site as a place of historic importance and public worship, making donations eligible for deduction under section 80G(2)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. However, cash donations exceeding Rs.2,000 are not permitted for deduction.

"The Central Government has notified "SHRI RAM JANMABHOOMI TEERTH KSHETRA"(PAN:AAZTS6197B)to be place of historic importance and a place of public worship of renown for the purposes of the said section from the year F.Y.2020-2021,vide(CBDT NotificationNo.24/2020/F.No.176/8/2017/ITA-1). 50 percent of Voluntary Contribution, for the purpose of renovation/repair of Mandir,to Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra is eligible for deduction under sec 80G(2)(b),subject to other conditions mentioned under section 8OG of the Income Tax Act,1961.vide (CBDT Notification No.24/2020/F.No.176/8/2017/ITA-1)," says the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust website.

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, built in the Nagara style, boasts a substantial structure supported by 392 pillars and 44 doors, measuring 380 feet long (east-west), 250 feet wide, and 161 feet high. Adorned with finely carved representations of Hindu deities, the temple features the idol of Shri Ramlalla, Bhagwan Shri Ram, in his childhood form, placed in the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor.

Who Is Morari Bapu?

Morari Bapu, born in 1946 in Gujarat, is a dedicated proponent of the Ramayana. For over six decades, he has actively conveyed the fundamental principles of Sanatana Dharma through the recitation of the Ram Katha. Known for advocating a diplomatic resolution to the Ayodhya conflict, Morari Bapu firmly believes in the eventual construction of the Ram Temple, emphasizing that Lord Ram transcends national and sectarian boundaries, belonging to the entire world.

Following the consecration of Ram Lalla, Morari Bapu is scheduled to perform a Katha in Ayodhya from February 24 to March 3.