Puri, Feb 24: Allegations of harassment and forced collection of money have surfaced from the premises of the Shri Jagannath Temple, with several devotees claiming they were pressured to pay for prasad and other items during darshan.

Visitors alleged that individuals are approaching devotees with prasad without being asked and demanding ₹100 to ₹200 in return. In some cases, when devotees offered lesser amounts or refused to pay, the prasad was allegedly snatched back and verbal abuse followed. A devotee from Uttar Pradesh said such behaviour at a sacred site deeply hurt religious sentiments and tarnished the temple’s sanctity.

Concerns have also been raised over the growing sale of “fancy chunaris” inside the temple complex. Glittering cloth pieces, claimed to be meant for the Lord, are reportedly being placed around devotees’ necks in exchange for money. Many pilgrims, unwilling to create a scene, pay the demanded amount despite doubting their authenticity.

Sacred items like bana (flags) are also allegedly being distributed without regulation, with no monitoring of their usage. Temple rules prohibit bargaining or seeking arbitrary donations during darshan. However, devotees claim that lack of strict enforcement has led to increasing exploitation, affecting both pilgrims and the dignity of the temple.