‘Charging’ devotees for rituals at replica of Ayodhya temple in Visakhapatnam opposed

Several Hindu organisations raised objections to the alleged collection of charges for participation in the Sree Seetha Rama Kalyanam scheduled for July 29 at the replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir set up at a commercial exhibition near The Park Hotel Junction on the Beach Road.

The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam in Bhadrachalam of Telangana also alleged misuse of their name for the event.

On Wednesday (July 23, 2025), Sri Srinivasananda Swamy of Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad, after visiting the replica, appreciated the efforts of the organisers in recreating the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in the city.

However, he opposed what he called the ‘commercialisation of the event’ by collecting entry fees and charges for prasadams, stalls, and sponsorships.

“Religion should not be turned into a business. This is unacceptable. We demand that the Kalyanam be open to all, allowing devotees to participate in the event free of cost. We will stage a protest of if our demand is not conceded,” he said.

Controversy began after the exhibition organisers reportedly announced plans to conduct a Sree Seetha Rama Kalyanam on July 29, charging around ₹3,000 per ticket. They reportedly claimed that priests from Bhadrachalam would be participating in the rituals. In response to the advertisement, the Bhadrachalam temple officials opposed what they called the ‘unauthorised use of their name’.

A formal complaint was submitted to the Endowments Department, which approached the police. Subsequently, the III Town Police issued notices to the organisers.

The Hindu organisations demanded that the Sree Seetha Rama Kalyanam at the replica temple be organised without charging money from devotees.