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“God never said — ‘Offer me money.’ No scripture ever demanded rupees at my feet.”
This statement by social media user D.S. Jassal sparked a nationwide debate, digging deep into the heart of India’s religious culture and practices. He questioned the modern-day tradition of offering money at temples, arguing that this practice has turned devotion into a commercial enterprise.
His tweet ignited a storm on X (formerly Twitter), where people from all walks of life — religious believers, skeptics, and political thinkers — came forward with opinions that exposed the uncomfortable intersection of faith, caste, money, and power.
🏛️ Faith or Finance? A Tradition Under the Scanner
Let’s break this down.
The Indian rupee was introduced only a few centuries ago. So how could ancient scriptures thousands of years old prescribe monetary donations?
Historically, devotees offered fruits, grains, or flowers — symbols of gratitude and humility. But in today’s India, temple donations have skyrocketed into the crores and billions, making some temples wealthier than small countries.
There was no tradition of offering currencies to the god but offering fruits ,grains ,vegetables etc were done so that the priest might use them to earn his and his families living and nourishment .Further more there was no salary granted to the priests
— Dk Dube (@dk_dube64743) June 28, 2025
on the name of the god
Is it still devotion? Or has it become a spiritual stock market?
📢 7 Eye-Opening Opinions from the Social Media Battlefield
- “Bhakti has turned into business.”
Commenters called out how donations have become more about ego, social status, and less about purity of heart. - “Even God’s gate needs money to open.”
People pointed out how entry into certain temples or VIP darshans is possible only after hefty payments — a practice never sanctioned by any spiritual text. - “This system favors upper castes.”
Some raised caste concerns, noting how money-handling, priesthood, and temple management often exclude Dalits and OBCs. - “Temples make billions, yet kids in nearby schools don’t have fans.”
This comment reflects the bitter irony of wealth hoarded in temples while real-life ‘forms of God’ — poor children — remain neglected. - “Offerings were never in cash. They were to support priests, not build empires.”
This is supported by historical texts, which mention simple offerings meant for the sustenance of temple workers, not to build gold-covered sanctums. - “When God needs CCTV and locks, something’s wrong.”
If God is omnipresent and all-powerful, why are temples guarded like vaults? The presence of security, lockers, and counting machines raises eyebrows. - “Other religions also have donation practices.”
Many argued that temples are being unfairly singled out when similar offerings exist in mosques (chaadar), churches (donations), and gurudwaras (sewa).
💬 Politicians and Thinkers Join In
Even leaders like Akhilesh Yadav proposed a radical solution:
“Bring all religious places under government control with a separate ministry. GDP will rise overnight.”
This provoked reactions both supportive and furious — some applauded the transparency such a move could bring, while others feared the misuse of temple wealth by corrupt governments.
🧠 Why This Debate Matters: It’s Not Just About Money
This is more than just a debate about rupees and rituals. It brings up important questions about:
- Transparency in temple management
- Caste and access in religious roles
- The commercialization of faith
- Neglected social responsibilities
- Selective criticism of religions
As user Purvi Singh poetically put it:
“God never asked for coins, nor do scriptures whisper so. It’s human imagination — business born from faith’s shadow.”
🙏 What Do Scriptures Actually Say?
- The Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedas emphasize purity of heart, action without expectation, and simplicity in offering.
- Nowhere do they command gold, rupees, or material wealth.
- Donations were symbolic and aimed at supporting ashrams and gurus, not hoarding or show.
⚖️ And What About Other Faiths?
- In Islam, donations (Zakat) are mandatory, but directed toward the poor — not religious leaders.
- In Christianity, tithes support the church’s operations but are often transparent.
- Sikhism promotes sewa (service) and langar (community kitchens), rooted in equality and shared humanity.
So, is Hinduism being unfairly targeted? Or is it the sheer volume of wealth in temples that’s raising concern?
💡 The Real Question: Where Does the Money Go?
According to reports, India’s richest temples hold assets worth hundreds of billions. Yet, in many temple towns, basic infrastructure, education, and healthcare remain poor.
What if even 10% of temple income was mandated to improve public schools or hospitals in that area?
That would be true bhakti — service in action.
🔥 Final Thought: Is God Keeping Account Books?
If we truly believe that God is compassionate, omniscient, and merciful, do we really think He/She wants our cash?
Or is it our ego that needs the public spectacle of donation?
When faith becomes transaction, and spirituality becomes enterprise, it’s time to pause and ask — are we worshipping God or our own insecurities?
As one user wrote:
“We tried to buy God with rupees, but forgot that the only currency He accepts is a clean heart.”
❓5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do Hindu scriptures mention giving money to God?
No, scriptures like the Vedas and Gita emphasize offerings of gratitude and simplicity, not monetary transactions.
Q2. Why do temples collect so much money today?
It’s largely due to societal evolution, commercialization, and the popularity of temples as spiritual “destinations.”
Q3. Are other religions also involved in monetary offerings?
Yes, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism have their own donation traditions — but their mechanisms and uses differ.
Q4. Should temple money be used for social good?
Absolutely. Many believe temple wealth should aid education, healthcare, and local development.
Q5. What’s the solution to this growing commercialism?
Greater transparency, public accountability, and returning to the core spiritual values of simplicity and service.