Palitana: A controversy erupted following a photography assignment at the main Jinalaya of Shri Adinath Bhagwan at Shri Shatrunjay Mahatirth near Girnar on Tuesday, triggering strong reactions from members of the Jain community. On Wednesday, the Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi clarified that the reports and images circulating on social media are AI-generated, and stated that all prescribed religious protocols were properly followed during the photography.

As per a social media user, Arpit Shah, the incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday when members of a Lucknow-based production company, Culmen Creative Concepts, allegedly led by Maroof Umar, entered the garbhagriha without proper puja attire, stood near the pabasana close to the idol, and carried out videography in a manner that violated long-established religious protocols.

Dear all,

I write to you with a heavy heart about a distressing incident that occurred yesterday (27th January 2026) at our most sacred Shri Shatrunjay Mahatirth – at the main Jinalay of Shri Adinath Bhagwan.

During authorized photography work contracted by the Anandji Kalyanji… pic.twitter.com/8TueeGpZpd

— Arpit Shah (@arpitsinger) January 27, 2026

“During authorized photography work contracted by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, serious violations of our religious protocols allegedly took place. Reports indicate that team members of a Lucknow-based company, Culmen Creative Concepts (led by Mr. Maroof Umar), entered the garbhagriha without proper puja clothes, positioned themselves on the pabasana near our Bhagwan’s idol, and conducted videography in ways that violated the sanctity of this most sacred space,” Arpit said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

It was further alleged that when objections were raised, some Pedhi staff members and security personnel responded inappropriately, adding to the unrest. The issue triggered widespread concern, particularly given the sanctity of Shri Shatrunjay Mahatirth, which is revered by the Jain community as one of its holiest pilgrimage sites.

Trust Issues Official Clarification

In response, the Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Trust — the representative body of the All India Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh — on Wednesday issued a formal clarification.

The trust stated that photographer Pushpendra Sharma (Brahmin) had entered the sanctum after taking a ritual bath, wearing the prescribed worship attire, and with a muhapatti. The photography and videography, the trust said, were conducted with prior permission from the temple authorities (Pedhi).

The trust further stated that all CCTV footage related to the incident is available with the Pedhi. It also claimed that several images circulating on social media were AI-generated, while many online messages were misleading and not based on verified facts.

Appealing for restraint, the trust urged devotees not to fall prey to misinformation. It added that if the incident had unintentionally hurt religious sentiments, the Sakal Shri Sangh expresses regret, stating, “Michchhami Dukkadam.”

The clarification was issued under the signature of Sanghvi Lalbhai, President of Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Trust. DeshGujarat