Privacy Policy

Visakha Sri Sarada Peetham (“the Peetham”, “we”, or “our”) deeply respects the privacy and sanctity of every individual who visits our website, donates to our cause, or interacts with our spiritual services. We are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with applicable Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP) and, where relevant, international best practices such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

By accessing our website, donation platforms, or availing of any of our services, you consent to the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of your personal data as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We collect two types of data: Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Non-Personally Identifiable Information (NPII).

PII includes your full name, contact number, email address, postal address, date of birth, gender, PAN (for tax deduction certificates), payment details (credit/debit card, UPI, net banking), and spiritual interests (e.g., deity preferences or areas of spiritual focus).

Submission of date of birth, gender, and spiritual interests is collected from all devotees and donors, as this helps us tailor spiritual communication, offerings, and community experiences. This information is collected directly from you when you donate, register for an event, or communicate with the Peetham.

NPII refers to data such as your IP address, device type, browser details, and cookies that we collect automatically through website analytics tools. These help us understand visitor behaviour, ensure security, and optimise website functionality.

Purpose of Data Collection

We collect your personal information for several sacred and operational purposes:

(1) to process donations and issue receipts; (2) to comply with legal and regulatory requirements including taxation and audit; (3) to share essential transactional updates and service-related communications; (4) to personalise your spiritual journey through tailored messages, event invitations, and content; and (5) to conduct research that helps improve our services and outreach.

We may also use your data to send you information regarding upcoming spiritual events, special darshans, or Peetham news via email, SMS and RCS, or WhatsApp.

Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your browsing experience. These allow us to remember your preferences, manage session authentication, and understand traffic trends. You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but doing so may affect the functionality of certain website features.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. However, we may disclose your data to trusted third-party service providers such as payment gateways, IT partners, mailing service providers, and auditors who assist us in delivering seamless services. These parties are bound by confidentiality agreements and data protection obligations. We may also disclose your data when required by law, in response to valid legal process, or to protect the rights, property, and safety of the Peetham or others.

Data Storage and Security

Visakha Sri Sarada Peetham is committed to the protection of your personal information. We employ a combination of industry-standard technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or destruction of your data. These measures include but are not limited to SSL encryption, secure and access-controlled data storage environments, multi-layered firewall protections, regular security audits, and limited access to authorised personnel only.

All financial transactions are processed through PCI-DSS compliant third-party platforms. The Peetham does not retain your payment card details beyond what is necessary for processing, reconciliation, and statutory record-keeping.

While we make every reasonable effort to safeguard your data in accordance with applicable law, no method of electronic transmission or storage can ever be fully secure. As such, the Peetham disclaims all liability for any unauthorised access, data breach, or loss of information arising from cyber-attacks, data interception, force majeure events, or any other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

By using our website or services, you acknowledge these inherent risks and agree that the Peetham shall not be held responsible for any damages or claims arising therefrom.

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and any activity that occurs under your account. We strongly recommend that you log out of your account at the end of each session and avoid sharing your access credentials with anyone.

Where data is retained for regulatory, legal, or audit purposes—including donation records, tax receipts, or government-mandated reporting—such information will be stored securely and only for the duration required under applicable law. Requests for deletion or modification of data are subject to these legal obligations.

If you suspect any unauthorised use of your account or breach of security, please notify us immediately through the contact details provided below.

Your Rights and Choices

We are committed to maintaining the sanctity and confidentiality of the information you entrust to us. You have the right to access and review your personal data, and may request corrections or update your preferences by contacting our Grievance Officer.

While we honour your choices, kindly note that certain information—particularly that related to donations, receipts, and statutory obligations—must be retained even if you choose to withdraw consent. This is necessary to meet legal, audit, and record-keeping requirements, and such obligations will continue to apply regardless of your withdrawal.

We strive to ensure that your data is used with care, respect, and only for the intended purpose of supporting your spiritual journey with the Peetham.

Third-Party Links

The Peetham’s website may include links to external websites, applications, or platforms operated by third parties—including those used for payment processing, event registration, or information resources. These links are provided for your convenience only and do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of their content, policies, or practices.

Please be advised that Visakha Sri Sarada Peetham does not control, monitor, or assume responsibility for the privacy practices, security standards, or accuracy of content on such third-party platforms. Once you leave our domain, your interactions and any personal data you provide are subject solely to the terms and policies of the respective third party.

We strongly recommend that you independently review the privacy policies and terms of use of any external site before sharing any personal information. The Peetham disclaims all liability arising from your access to or use of such third-party platforms.

Limitation of Liability

While we take all reasonable steps to ensure the security and integrity of your data, the Peetham shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of access, use, or inability to use our digital platforms. Our liability in such cases is limited to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.

Force Majeure

The Peetham shall not be held responsible for any delay or failure in performance caused by acts beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, cyber incidents, network outages, or regulatory restrictions.

User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for the accuracy and legality of the information submitted to the Peetham. Misrepresentation or misuse of the platform may result in denial of services and, where appropriate, legal action.

Indemnification and Release

By using our services, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Visakha Sri Sarada Peetham, its trustees, volunteers, employees, affiliates, and service providers from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising from your use of the website or any breach of this policy. You further release the Peetham from any claims arising from loss, unauthorised access, or misuse of information that occurs despite our best efforts, as long as such incidents are not due to wilful negligence on our part.

Policy Revisions

We may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal updates, technological advancements, or changes in our spiritual services. Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Grievance Redressal

Should you have any queries, concerns, or complaints regarding your data or this policy, please reach out to our designated Grievance Officer at the address below:

Grievance Officer (IT – Department)

Visakha Sri Sharada Peetham

Email: info@thevssp.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025