Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The auction of devotees’ hair offerings at the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada has set a new revenue record, yielding the highest-ever bid in the temple’s history. The rights to collect and process the hair offered by devotees were secured for a staggering Rs 10.10 crore, marking a significant jump in the shrine’s income.

The winning bid was placed by Indian Hair Industries, a firm based in Tanuku town of West Godavari district. The auction, conducted by temple authorities, witnessed intense competition and unprecedented pricing, reflecting the growing commercial value of temple hair offerings.

Compared to the previous auction held two years ago, the latest figures represent a near doubling of revenue. In the earlier tender, the temple earned Rs 5.67 crore from hair collection rights. Under the new agreement, Indian Hair Industries will pay Rs 10.10 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. For the subsequent year, 2027-28, the contract value will rise by 10 per cent to Rs 11.11 crore, as per tender conditions.

The auction proceedings were held on the sixth floor of the Mallikarjuna Maha Mandapam within the temple complex. A total of 19 contractors from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka participated in the bidding process. Temple authorities adopted a multi-mode approach, inviting bids through open auction, sealed tenders and e-tendering to ensure transparency and maximise revenue.

While four bidders submitted sealed tenders, the decisive contest unfolded during the open auction, where Indian Hair Industries quoted the highest amount to clinch the contract. Officials said the competitive bidding environment played a crucial role in driving up the final value.

Temple authorities expressed satisfaction over the outcome, noting that the substantial increase in revenue would strengthen the financial position of the shrine and support various religious, cultural and welfare activities undertaken by the Kanaka Durga Devasthanam.

The record-breaking auction underscores the growing demand for high-quality temple hair in national and international markets, while also highlighting the temple administration’s efforts to optimise resources through transparent and competitive processes.