An unauthorized website impersonating the official platform of the renowned Lord Shani Temple in Thirunallar, Karaikal district, has surfaced, allegedly defrauding devotees of large sums under the guise of prayer bookings. The fraudulent website, resembling the temple’s legitimate platform, has drawn the attention of the Hindu Religious Institutions department and is now under cybercrime investigation.
Authorities became aware of the issue after devotees reported not receiving the promised prasadam for prayers booked through the fake portal. Following a complaint filed in January, Karaikal cybercrime officials launched an investigation into the scam. The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department and temple administration have urged law enforcement to take down the unauthorized website and take action against its creators.
The official website of the temple is thirunallarutemple.org, while the fraudulent site operates under thirunallartemple.com. The fake platform mimics the legitimate one, offering prayer booking options such as Monthly Kattalai Archanai, Ashtothra Archanai, and Sahasranama Archanai, with charges ranging from ₹981 to ₹5,001 for Indian devotees and up to $151 (₹13,256) for international devotees.
The Thirunallar Lord Shani Temple, situated within the Lord Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, is one of South India’s prominent Navagraha shrines, drawing millions of devotees annually, especially on Saturdays. Investigations suggest that the fraudulent website may have been operational for several years. Karaikal police have requested the domain registrar to remove the website, and further inquiries are underway.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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