VIJAYAWADA, June 30, 2013: The Kanaka Durga temple hundi collections touched new heights and surpassed its own records. The temple received an income of Rs. 9.94 crore during last six months.

This apart, the temple received 3.350 kg of gold and 32 kg silver. During last counting (June 22), the collections were Rs.1.23 crore, while it was Rs.82.76 lakh on January 9.

The hundi collections crossed Rs.1-crore mark three times this year. It was Rs.1 crore on January 29 and Rs.1.05 crore on March 21.

A phenomenal increase in revenue of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam was recorded in 2011-12. The temple revenue touched Rs.80.69 crore compared to Rs.57.93 crore in 2008-09. Of this, hundi collection is Rs.18.91 crore compared to Rs.16.38 crore in 2010-11. It was Rs.10.68 crore in 2008-09.

The hundi collections were just above Rs.6 crore in 2005-06.

The hundi collections rose from Rs.6.11 crore in 2005-06 to more than Rs.13.01 crore in 2010-11.

The hundi collections were Rs.18.90 crore during 2011-12 and Rs. 22.30 crore during 2012-13. The temple on average, is receiving 1.5crore every month.

This apart, the temple received gold weighing 10.250 kg and silver weighing 181.141 kg.

Gold and silver offerings in 2005-06 were 9.48 kg and 165.153 kg, respectively.

The temple employees said there was rise in hundial collections ever since former Executive Officer Vijay Kumar launched new system of counting the hundial collection for every fortnight.

Pilgrim turnout

The pilgrim turnout is also increasing. On an average, 20,000 devotees throng Indrakeeladri every day. It touches 40,000 on Friday and Sunday.

Not less than 10 lakh pilgrims visit the temple during Dasara.

The devotee rush will be about 1.2 lakh during three-day Sakambari festival which is celebrated in Ashdamasam (roughly around July).

Prasadam sale

Interestingly, the income through sale of prasadam continues to rise despite jacking up of rate of laddu, which is much sought after by devotees. The temple received Rs.13.39 crore on prasadams, while it was Rs.10.02 crore in 2010-11, and Rs.7.24 crore in 2008-09.

Source: The Hindu dt: 30th June, 2013