Durga Temple records Rs 2.83 crore hundi income in 17 days

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The revered hill shrine of Kanaka Durga Temple atop Indrakeeladri has witnessed a significant surge in donations, with temple authorities reporting a hundi income of Rs 2.83 crore over a 17-day period from April 15 to May 2.

According to officials, the total collections stood at Rs 2,83,17,242. Of this, Rs 2,70,22,242 was received in currency notes, while Rs 12,95,000 came in the form of coins. The figures translate to an average daily collection of approximately Rs 16.65 lakh, reflecting heightened devotee turnout during the period.

In addition to cash offerings, devotees contributed precious metals, including 329 grams of gold and 3.8 kilograms of silver. The hundi also contained foreign currency contributions, underscoring the temple’s global devotional reach. Among the foreign offerings were 707 US dollars, along with Saudi Riyals, UAE Dirhams, and notes from several other countries.

The counting process was carried out in the temple’s Mahamandapam under tight security arrangements. Officials ensured transparency and accountability by conducting the exercise under continuous CCTV surveillance, with staff and volunteers participating in the systematic counting of offerings.

Temple authorities attribute the spike in donations primarily to increased pilgrim footfall during the summer holiday season. The Kanaka Durga Temple, one of the most prominent religious destinations in Andhra Pradesh, traditionally sees higher inflows of devotees during festive periods and school vacations.

The steady rise in hundi income not only reflects the deep-rooted faith of devotees but also contributes significantly to the temple’s resources, which are utilised for maintenance, development works, and welfare activities associated with the shrine.