Kanaka Durga Temple Hundis Fetch ₹3.81 Cr in 17 Days
The average daily collection worked out to Rs 22.46 lakh.
Vijayawada: The hundis of the renowned Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri recorded offerings of more than ₹3.81 crore during the 17-day period between June 3 and June 20.
The hundis were opened on Saturday under tight security, and the counting revealed substantial offerings in cash, gold, silver and foreign currency from devotees.
According to temple authorities, the hundis received 230 grams of gold and 4.3 kg of silver during the period. Cash collections comprised Rs 3,64,59,846 in currency notes and ₹17,35,000 in coins, taking the total collection to Rs 3,81,94,846. The average daily collection worked out to Rs 22.46 lakh.
The temple also received foreign currency, including 1,707 US dollars, 50 Australian dollars, 195 UAE dirhams, 52 Saudi riyals, 34 Bahraini dinars, 30 Singapore dollars, 10 euros, 10 Scottish pounds, eight Malaysian ringgit and one Omani riyal.
Interestingly, the counting revealed a few demonetised and old currency notes. Temple authorities found 15 notes of ₹2,000 denomination and five notes of Rs 500 denomination.
Temple executive officer V.K. Seena Nayak said the counting process was conducted transparently under CCTV surveillance in the presence of officials from the Endowments Department and banks.
He said the collections would be deposited in the temple's accounts and utilised for developmental works and improving amenities for devotees.
One of the country's most revered Shakti shrines, the Kanaka Durga Temple continues to attract a steady stream of devotees, with hundi collections reflecting its enduring popularity.