'Baseless and Misleading': Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust Denies Gold Theft Claims
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has dismissed claims of missing gold and structural collapse as baseless and misleading.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has officially stepped in to shut down a wave of misinformation circulating across social media and news platforms. The Trust has vehemently denied recent reports claiming that gold has been stolen from the temple premises and that the structure has suffered catastrophic damage.
Addressing the Rumours of Missing Gold and Damage
In a formal press release issued on Wednesday, the Trust addressed specific claims made by various electronic media outlets and newspapers. These reports had suggested that the temple's main spire, known as the Shikhar, was severely damaged and that precious gold had disappeared from the site.
The Trust clarified that the claims regarding missing gold are completely baseless and misleading. Regarding the structural integrity of the temple, the administration explained that a specific portion of the spire—located on the northwest (Vayavya) corner above the sanctum sanctorum—did experience natural weathering and damage back in April 2026.
However, the Trust emphasized that this specific damaged section was not neglected; instead, it has been safely preserved in its original condition inside the temple's locker to protect its historical integrity.
Scientific Conservation via IIT Madras
Recognizing the immense religious, historical, and archaeological importance of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the administration is taking a highly scientific approach to its maintenance. To ensure that any restoration work does not compromise the ancient architecture, the Trust has enlisted the expertise of IIT Madras.
The collaboration aims to conduct technical tests and feasibility studies to guide the conservation process. An expert team from IIT Madras has already conducted a site inspection and submitted a preliminary report in July 2026. This report noted the erosion of natural stone and wood caused by environmental effects and recommended micro-analysis before any physical conservation work begins.
The Road Ahead for Temple Preservation
The Trust is committed to a meticulous, science-based plan for the temple's upkeep. The next steps in this technical journey include:
- Re-inspection: An expert team from IIT Madras is scheduled to re-inspect the main temple complex in November 2026.
- Detailed Reporting: Following the re-inspection, a comprehensive report will be generated to recommend specific measures for structural safety.
- Scientific Restoration: All repair work will be executed according to technical advice to ensure the religious dignity and historical heritage of the Dham remain intact.
The administration reiterated that all actions regarding the conservation of the Shikhar are being handled with the utmost care, following scientific standards to safeguard one of India's most significant spiritual landmarks.