Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This report uncovers a troubling practice at the Vaishno Devi Temple, where offerings sold as silver may contain toxic metals like cadmium, posing serious health risks to devotees. We investigate the implications for public safety and the need for stricter oversight.
Devotees offering what they believe to be silver at the revered Vaishno Devi Temple may unknowingly be exposing themselves, and others, to serious health risks. Investigations have revealed that many of these offerings contain toxic metals such as cadmium, raising concerns not just about fraud, but also about public health.
Cadmium, a silvery-white metal often used in industrial processes, is highly toxic and strictly restricted under Bureau of Indian Standards norms for consumer goods. When heated, such as during melting, it releases dangerous fumes that can cause lung damage, kidney issues, and even increase the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure. Workers handling such materials without proper protection are especially vulnerable, but contamination can also affect air and water in surrounding areas.
Health experts warn that cadmium exposure over time can lead to respiratory problems, weakened bones, and organ damage, making its presence in religious offerings particularly alarming.
According to a report by The Economic Times, a large-scale discrepancy has been uncovered in offerings made at the shrine. When the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent nearly 20 tonnes of donated ‘silver’ to a government mint for processing, officials found that the metal contained just 5–6% actual silver.
The remaining composition was largely cadmium and iron, materials that cost a fraction of silver’s price. While silver trades at around Rs 2.75 lakh per kg, cadmium is priced at barely Rs 400–500 per kg, making this a significant case of alleged consumer deception.
The shrine board had expected the offerings to yield silver worth Rs 500–550 crore, but early assessments suggest the actual value may be closer to Rs 30 crore.
A smaller batch of 70 kg reportedly yielded only 3 kg of genuine silver. Processing such material has also proven difficult due to contamination.
The presence of cadmium created serious safety concerns at the mint. Officials initially refused to process the material due to the risk of cancer-causing fumes released during melting.
Specialised equipment had to be brought in to safely handle and separate the contaminated metals.
No similar contamination has been reported at other major temples, suggesting the issue may be localised. Authorities suspect vendors and jewellers operating near the pilgrimage route could be selling fake silver items to unsuspecting devotees.
The mint has raised concerns with the office of Manoj Sinha and the shrine board multiple times, but no formal action has been recorded so far.
Beyond the financial loss, the issue raises wider concerns about where else such counterfeit ‘silver’ products may be entering the market. Improper disposal or melting of cadmium-contaminated materials could lead to serious air and water pollution, affecting communities well beyond the temple premises. Officials now say stricter monitoring of vendors, greater public awareness, and stronger enforcement of safety standards are urgently needed to prevent further risks.
This whole episode is a bit of a wake-up call to be more careful when buying silver offerings. It’s worth double-checking authenticity, sticking to trusted sellers, and being wary of anything that seems unusually cheap, it’s often too good to be true.
As things unfold, the focus isn’t just on the financial scam anymore, but also on the real health risks that could be hiding behind what looks like a simple, sacred offering.