Devotees of Sri Raghavendra Swamy have been advised to remain cautious following reports of online fraud being carried out in the name of the Mantralayam Math. Sri Subudhendra Theertha, the pontiff of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math at Mantralayam, has warned devotees not to trust unauthorised websites, private individuals or WhatsApp accounts claiming to provide services on behalf of the Math.
According to the warning, fraudsters are targeting devotees by offering services like room bookings, online Parimala Prasada and donation collection in the name of the Math. Such incidents are reported to be attempted not only during the most important religious occasions like the Aradhana Mahotsava and Guru Vaibhavotsava but also on regular days.
Sri Subudhendra Theertha has told devotees that they must verify the authenticity of any communication before paying. He has warned devotees against private websites and people who claim to represent the Mantralayam Math or collect money in its name.
No Authorised Donation Collection System
The pontiff states that the Math has not authorised anyone or any private organisation to ask for donations on their behalf. Devotees are therefore advised to be wary if they get messages, calls or online requests for money from others in the name of the Math.
As people’s faith in religious institutions has been under attack and cyber fraud continues through their digital platforms, fraudsters may even take advantage of websites, messaging apps and other online channels to convince people they are part of a religious institution, the report says.
The Math has emphasized that devotees should not make payments simply because a website or person uses the name, photographs or branding associated with Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math.
Is Parimala Prasada available online?
One of the major points highlighted in the warning concerns Parimala Prasada. Sri Subudhendra Theertha has clarified that there is no official service operated by the Math for providing Parimala Prasada online.
Thus, devotees should be especially careful if any website, social media account, WhatsApp number, or individual claims to offer Parimala Prasada through an online payment system. Any such request should be verified with the Math before money is transferred.
Similarly, devotees were instructed not to pay private individuals for room bookings or any other service associated with the Mantralayam Math without first knowing whether the service is officially authorised.
Devotees Asked to Contact Math Office Directly
The pontiff has advised devotees who want information on accommodation, religious services, prasada or other activities connected with the Math to contact the Math's office or its administration directly.
The warning is particularly relevant to devotees planning visits during significant religious festivals and other times when demand for accommodation and related services may be high. Unauthorised operators may try to take advantage of devotees looking for quick online bookings or other facilities.
So devotees are told to only use official lines of communication and verify payment requests before any transaction takes place.
The Math warns devotees to be careful when looking at unsolicited links, payment requests, and messages coming from social media or messaging sites. Devotees who come across suspicious websites or individuals claiming to represent the Math are advised to verify their credentials directly with the institution.
The Mantralayam Math has emphasized that devotees should not rely on private websites or unauthorised persons for any services associated with the institution. Communication with the Math office or administration is the only way to get genuine information and prevent potential online fraud.
