Daijiworld Media Network - Deoghar

Deoghar, Mar 27: Authorities discovered foreign currencies, including Pakistani notes, while opening donation boxes at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Jharkhand, officials said.

Over Rs 32 lakh in Indian currency, along with more than 9,000 Nepalese rupees, 11 US dollars, 100 Pakistani rupees and 20 euros, were recovered during the counting process. District Magistrate Naman Priyesh Lakra said this was the first time Pakistani currency had been found in the temple’s donation boxes.

The temple administration opened all 18 donation boxes under tight security and supervision. The offerings, including Rs 32,14,245 in Indian currency, were later shifted to the administrative building for counting and verification.

The Baidyanath Dham, located in Deoghar, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also holds significance as a Shakti Peetha, attracting thousands of devotees from across India and abroad. Many visitors contribute anonymously through donation boxes placed across the temple premises.

According to Hindu belief, the site is linked to the legend of Ravana, who is said to have placed the Shiva linga at Deoghar during his journey to Lanka, making it a prominent pilgrimage destination.