Devotee Footfall Increases, But Temple Surplus Declines
Even as the number of devotees visiting major temples across Andhra Pradesh continues to rise, official statistics indicate that hundi collections and surplus income have declined at several prominent shrines. At the same time, a series of incidents involving alleged irregularities in hundi counting, black marketing of darshan tickets, lapses in safeguarding temple jewellery, and attempts to steal gold offerings have raised serious concerns over the functioning of the State Endowments Department.
The contrasting trend—higher pilgrim turnout but lower surplus income—has sparked calls for a comprehensive audit and investigation into temple administration and financial management.
Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple: More Devotees, Lower Income
The figures from the Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple have drawn particular attention.
During the financial year 2023–24, around 9.34 million (93.40 lakh) devotees visited the temple, generating a surplus income of ₹156.97 crore.
However, in 2025–26, the number of devotees increased significantly to 11.9 million (1.19 crore), yet the surplus income declined to ₹140.99 crore.
This means that despite an additional 2.5 million (25 lakh) devotees visiting the temple, the recorded surplus income fell, prompting questions about the reasons behind the decline.
Similar Trend at Annavaram Temple
A similar pattern has emerged at the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple in Annavaram.
In 2023–24, the temple received 4.55 million (45.50 lakh) devotees and recorded a surplus income of ₹84.82 crore.
By 2025–26, the number of devotees rose to 5.787 million (57.87 lakh), but the surplus income dropped slightly to ₹82.80 crore.
Official records reportedly indicate that several other Endowments Department temples, including Penuganchiprolu and Pedakakani, have witnessed similar trends.
Digital Ticketing Under Scanner
The State Government has introduced digital platforms for darshan ticket booking and accommodation allotment in several temples.
At Annavaram, direct ticket counters have reportedly been reduced significantly in favour of online booking.
While the move aims to improve transparency and convenience, allegations have surfaced that middlemen and brokers are exploiting devotees by manipulating ticket availability and engaging in illegal resale.
Series of Irregularities Across Temples
Several incidents reported over the past two years have further intensified public concern.
- At the Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple, an employee was allegedly caught misappropriating gold offerings during hundi counting.
- Over the past month, three separate attempts to illegally resell darshan tickets were reportedly detected at the same temple. Security personnel, outsourced employees, and home guards were among those allegedly involved.
- A police case was registered over alleged irregularities during hundi counting at the Yanamalakuduru Temple in Vijayawada.
- At the Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple, a volunteer was caught allegedly attempting to steal ₹11,500 during hundi counting and was later handed over to the police.
- In the Tirumala Srivari Temple Parakamani, an outsourced employee was caught by vigilance officials while allegedly attempting to smuggle a gold biscuit. Police later stated that 655 grams of gold and 157 grams of silver were recovered during the investigation.
- At the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Gudivada, Krishna district, a gold crown reportedly worth nearly ₹1 crore went missing. Authorities later found that it had allegedly been pledged with a private businessman, prompting an Endowments Department inquiry.
- Allegations regarding irregularities involving silver ornaments at the Srikalahasti Temple have also added to devotees’ concerns.
Questions Raised Over Temple Administration
The growing gap between increasing devotee numbers and declining surplus income has led to several questions:
- Why is temple income not increasing in proportion to the rise in devotees?
- Are the reported irregularities isolated incidents, or do they point to systemic administrative weaknesses?
- Will the Government or the Endowments Department conduct a comprehensive audit of hundi counting, darshan ticket issuance, temple jewellery security, and digital service implementation?
- What action has been taken against those found responsible in the reported cases?
These questions are now being widely raised by devotees and observers alike.
Demand for Greater Transparency
Devotees and experts believe that maintaining public confidence in temple administration requires greater transparency, stronger monitoring mechanisms, regular audits, and swift action against those involved in irregularities.
They argue that ensuring accountability in financial management, ticketing systems, hundi counting, and the protection of temple valuables is essential to preserving the faith and trust of millions of devotees.
