1. Prasadams can be bought through digital payments
2. Darshan, seva, prasadam, tonsuring, accommodation, and donations will be made exclusively through online platforms

In a significant shift aimed at enhancing transparency and streamlining pilgrim services, the Kanaka Durga Temple atop Indrakeeladri is planning to roll out a fully digital, cashless system from January. Once implemented, all payments related to darshan, sevas, prasadam, tonsuring, accommodation, and donations will be made exclusively through online platforms.

Temple authorities clarified that while services will be digital, mobile phones will continue to be strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. As a result, devotees will be required to complete all bookings and payments in advance, even before depositing their phones at the designated counters.

“From January, all temple services will be brought under a fully digital system to ensure transparency and convenience for devotees. Since mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple, pilgrims must complete all bookings and payments online in advance, before depositing their phones at the counters. Prasadams can be bought through digital payments and will be made available near phone deposit centers,” V.K Seena Naik, Executive Officer, said.

Under the proposed system, devotees must book darshan tickets, special poojas, arjitha sevas, and keshakhandana slots online before entering the temple. After completing the booking on their mobile phones, devotees will have to deposit their devices at the mobile deposit counters and proceed for darshan using the booking confirmation.

For purchasing prasadam, devotees are expected to complete the digital payment beforehand and collect the prasadam. No cash transactions will be allowed at counters once the new system comes into force.

Officials said the move would eliminate the need for devotees to stand in queues searching for change and would also plug loopholes associated with physical cash handling. Apart from the traditional hundi, all forms of donations will be accepted only through digital channels.

“The idea is to ensure that every transaction is transparent, traceable, and directly credited to the temple accounts,” EO said, adding that the system would significantly reduce human interface and scope for irregularities.

The digitisation of the Kanaka Durga Temple is part of a larger initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government to promote online transactions in major temples across the state. Nearly 15 prominent shrines have been identified for this transition, with daily monitoring and rankings based on digital transaction volumes. Currently, Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple leads the state in digital transactions, while the Kanaka Durga Temple ranks second, recording close to 1,000 online ticket bookings on peak days.

To ensure ease of access, devotees will be able to book services through multiple platforms, including official websites, a dedicated mobile application, and WhatsApp-based services. All major UPI payment options will be supported.

Temple authorities said awareness campaigns would be launched ahead of January to educate devotees about the new system and avoid inconvenience during the transition phase.

Once implemented, the fully digital model is expected to mark a major transformation in pilgrim management at one of Andhra Pradesh’s most revered temples, balancing technology-driven efficiency with traditional temple protocols.