BHULESHWAR TEMPLE PRIESTS SEEK CHANGE IN TRUST’S LAWS

MUMBAI: The priests of the twocenturies-old Mota Mandir, Bhuleshwar, had filed a complaint with the charity commissioner last week, seeking a change in the temple trust’s laws over allegations that the trust is not reporting its financial matters to the charity commissioner’s office since 2005.

The trust officials were not available for a comment, till the time of going to press, despite repeated calls made by HT.

Goswami Shree Nirajkumarji Maharaj, priest, said that the current trustees have not been able to complete the renovation work at the temple.

“The renovation of the temple has been going on for 25 years with an estimated budget of ₹55 crore. Despite this, the trustees haven’t been able to complete the task and are instead conducting fund-raising programmes,” said Nirajkumarji. He added that instead of using ‘personal funds’ to renovate the structure, it was being done through the donations received by the temple.

“It is one of the biggest temples in the city but doesn’t have a hostel, dharamashala, convention hall, toilets or other amenities. At least a hundred vaishnavs come to the temple every day but are unable to perform elaborate customs due to space constrain,” Nirajkumarji added.

When HT contacted the charity commissioner’s office, an official said that an inquiry will be conducted in the matter.

Mota Mandir, one of the oldest landmarks in South Mumbai, was established in 1810 by Shree Gowardhaneshji Goswami.

Despite a budget of ₹55 crore, the trustees have not been able to renovate the temple till now. NIRAJKUMARJI , priest