THE MAHANTH SELL OFF LAND OF THAKURBADI DURING BJP RULE

THE MAHANTH SELL OFF LAND OF THAKURBADI DURING BJP RULE

28-APRIL-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------A BJP government has been formed in Bihar. It is widely believed that the BJP acts as the guardian and promoter of the Hindu faith. In this context, the failure to take action—even after the deity and the deity's assets have been openly plundered—raises numerous questions. Matters have reached such a pass that devotees now require the assistance of criminals and hired musclemen even to offer prayers and seek *darshan* (sacred viewing) of the deity. This isn't a case from some remote corner of the state; rather, it concerns the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi, situated in Bakarganj—the very heart of the capital city, Patna.

The Mahants of Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi—Jai Narayan Das and Vimal Das—are continuously selling off land designated for the deity (the temple/Thakurwadi) for crores of rupees. The proceeds from these sales are being utilized to construct a hotel in Ahmedabad, while several hostels have also been established. Further details regarding these hotels and hostels will be provided later. While the Bakarganj Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi generates a monthly rental income of approximately ₹8–10 lakhs, it also possesses assets in Patna worth hundreds of crores—properties that Mahants Jai Narayan Das and Vimal Das are systematically selling off through collusion with criminals and land mafias. Meanwhile, the actual temple of the deity located within the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi premises remains in a dilapidated and crumbling condition. Recently, an agreement was executed regarding the land designated for the *Gaushala* (cow shelter), following the receipt of a "premium" (informal upfront payment) amounting to ₹50–60 lakhs. A private individual has since constructed a luxury office on this very plot.

Hundreds of shops have been constructed on the land designated for the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi, generating a monthly rental income of ₹8–10 lakhs. Mahants Jai Narayan Das and Vimal Das have effectively privatized the assets of the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi by establishing a private trust, thereby creating a mechanism that allows them to divert 70% of the total income toward their own personal expenses and luxurious lifestyle. Subsequently, the land belonging to the deity is being fraudulently sold for crores of rupees, and criminals and musclemen (bouncers) are being enlisted to facilitate the forceful occupation of the properties. The Mahant's musclemen routinely threaten shopkeepers to vacate their premises, asserting that the Mahant has already sold the land. The Kadamkuan Police Station has become exasperated by the ongoing disputes stemming from the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi premises. Last Saturday, hundreds of shopkeepers approached the Kadamkuan police to submit a written complaint regarding the illicit activities taking place within the Thakurwadi, the sale of the trust's land to land mafias, and the threats and abusive behavior directed at them by the Mahant's alleged son.

Prof. Ranvir Nandan, Chairman of the Bihar State Religious Trusts Council, has issued a notice to Jay Narayan Das and Vimal Das—the Mahants of Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi—stating that under Section 28(2)(H)(VI) of the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, 1950, any trustee who sells or otherwise transfers trust land to another party is liable to be removed from their position. They have been ordered to appear before the Council by April 10, 2026, to provide an explanation. The issued letter explicitly notes that in 2011, within a span of just ten days, land belonging to Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi was sold to 15 individuals for a total sum of ₹52,92,000.

It is believed that this temple dates back to the 6th century, and evidence dating back 500 to 700 years is currently present on the premises. Daily worship is performed here for 262 idols of Lord Shaligram alongside 72 other deities simultaneously. The Thakurwadi houses a collection of approximately 35 rare conches (Shankhs) that are over 500 years old; this collection includes the 'Panchajanya' conch, which weighs 2.5 kilograms and whose resonance can be heard up to a distance of 2 kilometers. The temple houses 800-year-old vessels that are still used today for preparing *Prasad* (sacred food offerings). Within the temple complex stands a 500-year-old Maulshree tree, believed to be one whose leaves never shed. This temple was named after a police officer named 'Bhikham Das,' who later became a spiritual devotee at this very site.