State’s temples buck demonetisation, cash crunch effect

Demonetisation and cash crunch haven’t tailed off people’s belief in god. Temples across Karnataka have posted a rise in their annual income compared to past the two years. Almost all temples, except the Kollur Mookambika temple, have posted at least 10% increase in their annual income.

Interestingly, the famous Kukke Subramanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada continues to be the richest with an annual income of Rs 95.92 crore, according to data made available by the Department of Religious and Charitable Endowment.

The Kukke temple earned just Rs 89.65 crore between 2016-17 and witnessed an increase of Rs 6.27 crore post demonetisation and severe cash crunch.

C P Shylaja, commissioner, Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, said that the number of devotees to Kukke Subramanya temple has increased since last year. “Many people, including celebrities, flock to the temple to perform sevas which are the main source of income to the temple besides offerings at the drop-box (hundi). The temple has received contributions even in dollars and currencies of several rich nations,” she revealed.

This apart, some of the famous temples have also begun new initiatives and developments on a yearly basis to boost income, according to officials. The Kollur Mookambika temple has turned out be an exception as its annual income dropped by Rs 30 lakh during the same period. Yet, the temple managed to occupy the second position among the richest temples in Karnataka. While it witnessed a revenue of Rs 44.22 crore during 2016-17, it was Rs 43.92 crore in 2017-18.

“The decrease in revenue to Mookambika temple is probably because of the drop in the number of devotees this year,” said Shylaja.

The Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru holds the third place followed by Durgaparameshwari temple at Kateel in Dakshina Kannada and Srikanteshwara temple at Nanjangud at fourth and fifth places respectively.