₹8 crore allegedly paid to BJP for Bhavnath Mahant Post, reveals Juna Akhada letter

Serious allegations of corruption among sadhus (saints) and priests have caused widespread uproar in Junagadh.

Mahant Maheshgiri of Bhootnath has accused Bhavnath’s Mahant Harigiri of serious misconduct releasing a letter from the Shri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada.

According to the letter, funds were distributed to BJP party accounts, two collectors, and other saints totaling ₹8 crores.

The letter reportedly claims that to include  Mahant Harigiri Guru Dattatregiri Bhavnath Temple in the Akhada Harigiri the collector and Mahamandleshwar Bharti Bapu, Indrabharthi, Mahadevagiri, Muktanandgiri etc. have paid funds to promote me.

The dispute has unveiled several secrets, exposing scandals and actions that even political figures would shy away from. 

Mahant Maheshgiri of Bhootnath has alleged that Mahant Harigiri of Bhavnath is exploiting top leaders' names to pressure officials and people. Maheshgiri further warned that if Harigiri does not relinquish Bhavnath and Girnar, more of his wrongdoings will be revealed. He accused Harigiri of financial misappropriation within the Akhada, inciting disputes among sadhus and damaging the sanctity of religion and the reputation of the Akhada.

According to the letter, the following allocations were made:

- ₹5 crore to the BJP's national fund.

- ₹50 lakh each to two collectors in Junagadh.

- ₹50 lakh to Mahamandaleshwar Bharati Bapu.

- ₹25 lakh each to Indrabharti, Siddheshwar Giri, Mahadevgiri, and Muktanandgiri.

- ₹15 lakh each to other prominent figures like Shivdhunawala Mahant and Sevadevi Punitacharya.

The appointment order for Bhavnath’s mahant is issued by the collector. Allegations suggest irregularities in this process, as the tenure of Mahant Harigiri was renewed four months before its expiration by the then-Junagadh Collector, Rachit Raj. 

Typically, such decisions are made 15 days before the term ends, raising questions about why this renewal was rushed. Notably, the collector was transferred shortly after issuing this order, further fueling suspicions.