Sacred Grounds, Tarnished Trust: Sacred Grounds, Tarnished Trust

Pashupatinath Temple.

We are a group of IIMS college students from the 2024 September intake in the BCS stream, and we have a common mission: to investigate the Pashupati Jalhari scam. We aim to provide detailed information about this issue to our college and the wider community. We hope this blog clarifies the details surrounding the Pashupati Jalhari scam. Our dedicated team members have done an excellent job on this project.

Introduction

Nepal boasts some of the world's most revered Hindu temples, with the Pashupatinath Temple Complex being a standout. Situated on the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, it's a beacon of spiritual devotion and cultural identity for Hindus. A recent controversy over the Pashupatinath Jalhari, a sacred ritual cloth, has ignited a heated legal battle. This case has captivated Nepal and resonated worldwide.

The Pashupatinath Jalhari, a sacred ritual cloth adorning the Shiva lingam, has been at the center of intense scrutiny. Its alleged disappearance and reappearance have sparked a complex case. It involves cultural heritage, religious traditions, environmental concerns, and the balance between preservation and modernization.

Research Background

The Trust's Secretary, Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa

The Pashupatinath Jalhari case, which revolved around the substitution of a gold Jalhari for a silver one in the hallowed Pashupatinath Temple, became a major source of controversy in Nepal. On January 27, 2021, So on this day our Respective Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Did a very special Pooza at Pasupati Temple afterward he decided and announced that the government would provide 800 million Nepali Rupees to install a golden jalhari. He requested the Minister of Tourism culture and civil aviation to allocate the amount. For this project, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) provided 103.773 kg of gold, which is estimated to be worth Rs 800.11 million (Republica, 2023). Afterward, representatives of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) claimed that 108 kg of gold in total had been used to create the new Jalhari.

After that, there was a conservationist and the other shareholders of the temple were not convinced by it they said it is against the Ancient Monument Protection Act, of 1956. where over 100-year-old structures should be preserved in their original design. Kedar Man Bhandari Chairperson of Pashupatinath Sewak Saang, Also one of the priests of the temple said that the trust made an an announcement to replace the Jalhari without consulting the stakeholders. Kedar Man Bhandari Was really against replacing the silver Jalhari. But Narottam Baidya, Former treasurer of the trust and also a member of Province 3 assembly said the trust made a grief mistake by accepting the prime minister’s offer and on 22 Feb 2021 filed writ petitions at the Supreme Court. After that, the Supreme Court also issued an interim order saying that the Jalhari should not be installed immediately. Then Taranath Odikari the spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation also said that the ministry has interested the judge with everything related to the new installment. Govinda Tandom, The former Secretary of the trust also said that under the reeling of COVID-19, the government should prioritize procurement of the vaccine over installment of the Jalhari.

The completion of the gold application work was announced on February 23, 2021, and on February 24, 2021, President Bidya Devi Bhandari presided over an inauguration ceremony. But soon after the installation, doubts were raised about the veracity of the claims made regarding the amount of gold. There were claims that about 1.5 kg of gold had been mishandled, which sparked protests and demands for answers.

On the fifty-ninth annual report, the Auditor General suspected that Keepi Oli’s government had lost gold worth of crores of rupees. In this report, it was said that 10 kgs of gold were embezzled while installing the jalhari which made the plan of the Pashupati area development trust stop immediately Revathiraman Adhikari The spokesperson of Parsippany area development said that No data and bills were found after installing the jalhari.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) opened an inquiry into possible corruption associated with the project in response to these claims. Arun Kumar Shrestha, the storekeeper, member-secretary Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa, and former member-secretary Dr. Pradeep Dhakal were among the prominent figures in PADT whose roles were scrutinized in the subsequent legal proceedings. In the end, a special court cleared these people of the accusations brought against them, prompting more inquiries about accountability and governance in the administration of public and religious resources (Times, 2023).

The CIAA discovered anomalies involving large sums of money connected to the golden Jalhari as their investigations went on. The case has raised important questions about openness and moral management of holy assets, and it has spurred a national conversation in Nepal about the care of the country's cultural and religious legacy. Thus, in Nepal, the Pashupatinath Jalhari case is a crucial talking point regarding governance, corruption, and the value of preserving national treasures.

Research Objectives

• To critically assess the operational framework of the Pashupati Jalhari project.

• To determine the extent to which the scam has impacted investors and the surrounding community.

• To suggest strategies for improving transparency during real estate dealings.

● To maintain religious belief in these holy places.

Research Methodology

Our methodology consisted of

· qualitative interviews with the affected investors and other stakeholders.

· various documentaries.

· news reports

Finding and Discussion

1. Why Transparency and Accountability Matter:
This case has demonstrated that religious and cultural organizations should be responsible for transparency in handling money and all other resources, pointing out that the misuse of funds in any organization emerges because of too little oversight exercised, and it provided a wake-up call to enact some rules for money management

2. Improve legal and regulatory frameworks:
The scandal revealed problems in the laws and rules that control religious trusts in Nepal. This shows that it is very important to enforce the existing laws strictly and to create new rules to ensure good management of cultural and religious institutions.

3. Public Confidence and Ethical Governance:
The religious institution, much like that of Pashupatinath, comes bundled with cultural and spiritual significance. Misappropriation of funds in such a context only adds to the erosion of public trust in the institution itself and in wider governance structures. Ethical governance is thus incomparably important for retaining the sanctity and credibility of such institutions.

4. The Role of the Media and Public Observation:
The case showed how strong media and public attention can help reveal corruption. The discovery of this scam caused people to be very angry, leading to investigations and actions to hold people responsible. This emphasizes how important civil society and the media are in making things clear and open.

5. Requirements for Institutional Reforms:
The Jalhari case has learned that such organizations as PADT should make changes at the management level to the way they manage and subdivide tasks and check their work regularly to ensure such scandals do not happen.

6. Keeping Our Cultural Heritage Safe:
Another important issue in the scandal was regarding cultural heritage protection. Much attention was focused on whether or not the investment in the preservation of heritage had taken place properly and effectively, which it should have done with dedication, with great care, and with concern.

7. Effect on Religious Feelings: Where funds are misused for religious purposes, it may touch deeply upon religious sentiments. The particular case under consideration brought into play the sensitivity that is required to handle religious projects respecting the cultural and spiritual values which associate themselves with such projects. The case of Pashupatinath Jalhari sends a warning on corruption in the sacred place. This shows how corruption can take place and how one has to be very cautious when managing religious and cultural assets.

Self-Reflection

Pujan:

The case of Pashupati Jalahari really struck a chord in my understanding of community involvement, environmental ethics, and the delicate balance between development and conservation. The more I read about the case, the more I am confronted with the complicated feelings and moral issues that arise from it. I had not known this case was important. Until, when this project development project in the area around Pashupati and then reading about all sorts of concerns among stakeholders, appreciation for a variety of perspectives emerged. On one hand, there is a vision by the government to transform a major cultural and religious site into a modern setting that attracts more tourists and generates economic activities. On the one hand, however, are the voices of the local communities, environmentalists, and cultural activists who fear that such development might degrade the sacred landscape and displace the local traditions.

I would say that concerning this, it is necessary to balance the preservation of our cultural heritage and the recognition of progress. Pashupati is not a historical site but is living in the community's identity and spiritual life. The discussion on the Jalahari project opened my eyes to the depth with which people are connected to their environment and heritage. It made me realize that development at the cost of erasing the stories, practices, and identities connected with these places should not be done.

The balance of power that existed in the guise of decision-making is further reflected in the case of Pashupati Jalahari. Everything looked so one-sided that it started leading me to the question of who actually has the right to decide on such sites. Is the voice of the people heard? How can their rights and concerns be brought forth? It has, therefore, nurtured my interest in advocating for inclusive dialogue and participatory approaches in development projects where the voices of all stakeholders, particularly those of marginalized communities, are taken into consideration.

The reflective journey thus helped me realize that environmental and cultural preservation is not purely a question of conservation but one of human dignity and the rights of the people connected with those spaces. The Pashupati Jalahari case reminds us of our shared commitment to active stakeholder advocacy for sustainable practices that pay due homage not only to the memories of the past but also to the possibilities of the future.

In the process, this case has not only widened my awareness of the complicated interaction existing between development and preservation but is also an igniter for me to participate in the debates on ethical development. I'm left thinking, about how could I help create such a future where cultural heritage and environmental integrity would be preserved in concurrence with modern society's needs.
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Ramesh:

With the Pashupati Jalhari scam, a much-needed lesson was learned the hard way on the importance of transparency in public projects. It highlighted the need for oversight so that corruption is avoided and money is spent effectively and as these services serve communities, it is vital that those communities are the ones who benefit from these services. These dynamics have given me a better understanding of why accountability in governance is such a critical concept.

As a personal strength, I am a very analytical person which helps with breaking down complex situations to get to the heart of an issue. Because of the way I am able to research, I am able to find varied information to create a well-rounded picture of cases such as these. Second, my compassion inspires me to speak on behalf of oppressed communities that suffer from corruption.

However, challenges remain. Hearing the stories of corruption can feel heavy, and sometimes even overwhelming. The difficult reality is that mere solutions are of little value in systemic corruption, and change, when it's possible, will always require structural change. Also, it can be a challenge to keep up motivation to fight for change when there is little to no change to be seen.

But in terms of being better moving forward, I want to step up my advocacy through volunteering with local organizations that work on accountability related to public works. This helped, of course, but I must continuously learn about good governance and anti-corruption strategies in order to contribute even more effectively. And then more people will be inspired to demand transparency from their leaders, and even start sharing insights to raise awareness.

All in all this reflection strengthens my values of integrity as a public servant while also identifying for me an area of self-improvement not only for myself but to also and even more importantly to get involved in more advocacy work.

Vyomaa:

The case of Pashupati Jalahari really struck a chord in my understanding of community involvement, environmental ethics, and the fine balance between development and conservation. The more I read about the case, the more it puts me before complicated feelings and moral issues arising from it.

I hadn't known this case was significant. Until now, when this project—a development project in the area around Pashupati—and then reading about all sorts of concern among stakeholders, appreciation for a variety of perspectives emerged. On one hand, there is a vision by the government to transform a major cultural and religious site into a modern setting that will attract more tourists and generate economic activities. On the other side are the voices of the locals, environmentalists, and cultural activists who feel that such development may degrade the sacred landscape and displace the local traditions.

I would say that regarding this, it is necessary to balance the preservation of our cultural heritage and the recognition of progress. Pashupati is not a historical site but is living in the community's identity and spiritual life. The discussion on the Jalahari project opened my eyes to the depth with which people are connected to their environment and heritage. It made me realize that development at the cost of erasing the stories, practices, and identities connected with these places should not be done.

The balance of power that was there in the garb of decision-making is further manifested in the case of Pashupati Jalahari. It looked so one-sided that it started leading me to the question of who really has the right to decide on such sites. Is the voice of the people heard? How can their rights and concerns be brought forth?

It has, therefore, nurtured my interest in advocating for inclusive dialogue and participatory approaches in development projects where the voices of all stakeholders, particularly those of marginalized communities, are taken into consideration. The reflective journey thus helped me realize that environmental and cultural preservation is not purely a question of conservation but one of human dignity and rights of the people connected with those spaces. The Pashupati Jalahari case serves to remind us of our common commitment to active stakeholder advocacy for sustainable practices, which pay due homage not only to the memories of the past but also to the possibilities of the future. This case has not only widened my awareness of the complicated interaction existing between development and preservation but is also an igniter for me to participate in the debates on ethical development. I'm left with thoughts of how could I contribute to creating such a future where cultural heritage and environmental integrity would be preserved in concurrence with modern society's needs.

Aayush:

The Jalhari case throws social, legal as well as ethical issues both in their operational and managerial planes. In considering this case it is necessary to make reference to justice, the role of society and the consequences for all the players in the process. In the process of working through the case, I realized that justice is not just a simple concept and several questions appear when the legal system is somehow connected to ethics.

First observations when I first opened the case of Jalhari, some of the impressions that came to my mind were [describe the general nature of the case in several words, for instance, serious, complex, etc]. This case made me understand the impact that is made by decisions taken in judicial environments as well as how decisions

affect the lives of different people. The necessity appeared clear at first sight, the more I thought about the details, the more I realized the complexity of it.

Ethical and Legal Concerns Another discussion that was obvious when learning about this case was how Ethics and law are in time harmonized with each other. I thought about the idea of legal blindness and that the legal system is supposed to be the same for every person, but in truth, the moral questions in this case muddy that stance. For instance, examine a particular ethical dilemma or decision of the case, and your opinions regarding the same. This aspect brought me ideas for the guardian and the temptation of power with obligations to deal with justice and how hard it is to be just and merciful at the same time.

Consequences for people and society I also thought of various consequences of the court’s decision for people and society – for victims, accused persons, and their relatives. This may often evoke feelings of compassion for [a specific person or a particular minority group for instance, and make one realize that each and every case means someone’s life, not some abstract juridical idea. In this case, I learned about other implications for the judicial system to deal with social and/or psychological implications for all parties.

Through the Case As a result of learning from the Jalhari case, my understanding of justice expanded as the cases revealed underlying social problems such as[for example, inequality or justice deficiency. With reflecting thinking mode in legal studies I came to realize that it assisted me in gaining not only the knowledge of the technicality of the law but also the human aspect of it. The case also showed me in practice how I can deal with legal issues in the mind with utilitarianism but in the heart with paternalism.

Analyzing the information of the Jalhari case has enhanced justice, ethics, and law within the society’s perception of me. It became clear that each case had a deep meaning and a serious load for all participants. It was helpful to reflect on the need to attempt to achieve a Just state of law with respect to the larger human consequences.

Sonam:

The Pashupati Jalahari Scam is a major act of corruption and embezzlement criminal case and has affected the spiritual and cultural sector of Nepal. The scandal concerning the alleged misappropriation of donation funds allocated to a holy place has raised the ire of followers and members of the public.

That makes this case a disturbing one that leaves you with anger and frustration. It is rather sad to note such corruption going on within a premise so holy to millions of people. Pashupatinath Temple is not just a temple, but the faith and culture of hundreds of millions of Hindus of Nepal and India. It is tainted by the reality that those charged with its nurturing could be so untruthful in its upkeep that it brings into question the very sacredness of this site.

This does not simply stop at the scandal itself. It brings a bad name to Pashupatinath, the most trusted pilgrimage and tourism place. So those who would have seen it as a worthy place to visit, see it no more, but as a living thing to be feared as corrupt, and mismanaged. These perceptions can keep tourists away which in turn severely impacts the temple financially, implying a reduction in the revenue of the local economy that largely relies on religious tourism. The Pashupati Jhalhari case has always remained a landmark feature in the legal and ethical annals of Nepal, where the lines got stretched between justice, morality, and the law. The dispute is so complicated as the person suspected is accused of encroachment of land and carrying on illegal transactions concerning the misuse of public land. Looking back into this case, one could never forget the extent of the general effect it had caused shaking the confidence of the people in the then-judicial system. This shows that the accountability levels of people in these positions of authority are an enduring problem and have turned pathetically miserable when using legitimate legal escape routes as a means to personal or political advantages.

Atit:

The case of Pashupati Jhalhari represents, in a legal sense, a showdown between the rule of law and systemic issues at the very heart of corruption, inequality, and injustice. Charges in this case were clear, but it flagged the fact that, sometimes, the judiciary may not succeed in dispensing effective and quick justice in cases relating to influential persons. These long-drawn court processes and complex issues of evidence and witness testimony portend the fallibility of the system of justice. It serves again as a primer that, even while the law can provide the framework within which justice is executed, it remains susceptible to manipulation and exploitation by those who can afford such.

On a rather personal note, the case of Pashupati Jhalhari made me introspect over this whole tenet of accountability—how quintessentially necessary it is that justice not only be done but seen to be done. Cases of this sort, where public confidence in a country's legal and political system rests upon fragile ground, tend to erode such confidence in the rule of law. While they do provoke opportunities for reform to stir the people to call for more transparency, fairness, and diligence in the delivery of justice. It reminds one, in the end, that what is needed is an enlightened and responsible citizenry-actively interested and involved in insisting on accountability of its leadership. And a judiciary concerned with exercising the postulates of fairness and equitability.

Tisa:

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) Jalhari case highlights corruption at a significant religious site in Nepal. It involved allegations of gold theft during the installation of the golden Jalhari in the Pashupatinath temple, an important Hindu place of worship. Three individuals, including former PADT member-secretaries, were accused but were acquitted by the Special Court.

Reflecting on this case, brings attention to the issue of corruption and its damaging effects on public trust. The PADT's role in maintaining the temple is crucial, and any misconduct by its leaders can harm its reputation and mission. This case shows the need for better oversight and accountability to prevent such issues. Ethical leadership is essential in managing public resources, especially in institutions like the PADT. Maintaining transparency and integrity is crucial to serving the community and preserving the temple’s sanctity. Overall, the PADT Jalhari case serves as a reminder of the challenges in upholding ethical standards in cultural institutions and the importance of continuous vigilance and transparency.

Social Network Campaign.

Our campaign was ultimately performed strategically, seeking to inform the general public and potential investors about the scam. This is the final video, where key messages and opinions were demonstrated.

Conclusion.

The fraudster behind the Pashupati Jalhari scheme and its contact in this case, the Pashupati Jalhari scam, is again a world where there are self-serving individuals who defraud investors in real estate investment. The factors and the consequences that emanate from them go a long way in restructuring our understanding of how better we can avoid situations of such nature in the future.

For the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), the Pashupatinath Jalhari case is a turning point that highlights important questions about accountability, governance, and public confidence in the administration of one of Nepal's holiest sites. In addition to damaging the reputations of important officials, the accusations of corruption surrounding the installation of the gold Jalhari have raised serious questions about the honesty of those tasked with maintaining Pashupatinath Temple among devotees and the general public.

Furthermore, PADT needs to create a thorough code of conduct that explains moral guidelines and demands for every employee. Frequent governance and ethics training sessions can strengthen an environment of accountability by enabling staff members to act honorably and report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Putting strong reporting procedures in place for alleged infractions will

Gaining back the public's trust also requires effective communication. Through proactive outreach, such as open forums and consultations, PADT can gather input from the community and notify interested parties about projects that are currently underway and financial outlays. In addition to giving the public a sense of ownership, this open communication enables the Trust to address issues and improve its responsiveness to the needs of the community.

Lastly, it is critical to work with governmental and non-governmental organizations to carry out an exhaustive audit of previous projects, such as the Jalhari installation. The findings of this audit ought to be made available to the public to show PADT's dedication to accountability and ongoing development.

Reference

• Pashupati Jalhari case: CIAA files corruption case against three individuals, including two member-secretaries. (n.d.). https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/pashupati-jalhari-case-ciaa-files-corruption-case-against-three-individuals-including-two-member-secretaries/

• Jalhari offered to Pashupatinath has 10 KG gold: Pashupati Area Development Trust. (2024, November 6). Himalaya Times. https://english.himalayatimes.com.np/2023/06/74269/

• Nepal News. (n.d.). Three acquitted in Pashupatinath case. https://nepalnews.com/s/capital/three-acquitted-in-pashupatinath-jalhari-case

• HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE. (2023, June 27). 107.46 kg gold work weighed at Pashupatinath temple. The Himalayan Times. https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/10746-kg-gold-work-weighed-at-pashupatinath-temple

• HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE. (2023a, June 14). 'No foul play in 108-kg gold jalhari installation at Pashupati' The Himalayan Times. https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/no-foul-play-in-108-kg-gold-jalhari-installation-at-pashupati

• Online, T. (2021, February 25). Supreme Court issues interim order against decision to install gold Jalhari at Pashupatinath temple. The Himalayan Times. https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/supreme-court-issues-interim-order-against-decision-to-install-gold-jalhari-at-pashupatinath-temple

• HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE. (2021, February 24). Two cases filed at SC against plan to use 108 kg gold at Pashupati. The Himalayan Times. https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/two-cases-filed-at-sc-against-plan-to-use-108-kg-gold-at-pashupati