Haryana Enacts Legislation for Administration of Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir, Beri

The Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine Act, 2022, designated as Haryana Act No. 25 of 2025, was published in the Official Gazette on December 3, 2025, bringing into force a new legal framework for the governance of the prominent shrine. The legislation received the assent of the President of India on July 3, 2025. This Act was enacted to provide for the better management, administration, and governance of the Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri, and its associated endowments, including all lands and buildings attached or appurtenant to the Shrine.

The core of the Act establishes the Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine Board, a body corporate with perpetual succession, tasked with the administration, management, and governance of the Shrine. The Board's composition is notable, with the Chief Minister of Haryana serving as its Chairman and the Minister-in-Charge of the Urban Local Bodies Department as Vice-Chairman. It also includes ex-officio members such as the Secretary to Government, Haryana, Urban Local Bodies Department, and the Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar, who also acts as the member-secretary. Additionally, seven persons are to be nominated by the Government, including those distinguished in Hindu religion or culture, women active in social work, and individuals with expertise in administration, legal affairs, or financial matters. The legislation provided: “The ownership of the Shrine and Shrine fund, from the commencement of this Act, shall vest in the Board and the Board shall be entitled to its possession, administration and use for the purposes of this Act.” This provision centralizes control over all movable and immovable property, including offerings and endowments, under the newly constituted Board. The Shrine fund is to be applied for the proper maintenance of the temple, performance of rituals, provision of amenities for devotees, establishment of educational institutions, training of students (vidyarthies), ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims, and in cases of national calamity.

A significant change introduced by the Act pertains to the rights of Pujaris (priests). All existing rights of Pujaris stand extinguished from the commencement of the Act. However, the Government is empowered to appoint a Tribunal to recommend compensation to be paid by the Board in lieu of these extinguished rights, considering the Pujari's past income. Alternatively, a Pujari may opt for employment with the Board if found suitable. Similarly, all existing employees of the Shrine and tenants, including shopkeepers and leaseholders, are deemed to become employees or tenants of the Board, respectively, with their terms of service to be regulated by rules made under the Act. The Act also outlines disqualifications for Board membership and Pujari appointments, including non-adherence to Hindu religion, unsound mind, insolvency, or conviction for offenses involving moral turpitude. Detailed provisions are made for the preparation and annual verification of a register documenting the Shrine's origin, history, properties, idols, and financial details, ensuring transparency and accountability. Restrictions are placed on the alienation of Shrine property, requiring prior government sanction, and mechanisms are established for the recovery of unlawfully alienated immovable property, applying provisions of the Haryana Public Premises and Land (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Act, 1972, for unauthorized occupation. The Board is mandated to prepare an annual budget and maintain audited accounts, with penalties prescribed for non-compliance or wrongful withholding of Shrine property. The Government retains powers to issue directions to the Board and review its decisions, ensuring effective implementation of the Act. Civil courts are barred from adjudicating matters falling under the purview of the authorities established by this Act.

Keywords: Haryana, Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir, Shrine Act, Temple Administration, Board, Endowments, Pujari Rights, Governance, Religious Institutions, Haryana Act No. 25 of 2025

Geo Tags: India, Haryana District: Jhajjar