Here is how much some of India’s richest temples earn every year!

Jul 8, 2024

By: Ankush Banerjee

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Bounty of temples

India is home to some of the wealthiest and culturally significant temples in the world, revered by millions of devotees. Here are eight of the richest temples in India, each renowned for their spiritual importance and substantial financial assets.

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8. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala/Annual Income: Approx. Rs 18 crore before 2020

Known for its incredible wealth discovered in secret vaults, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It features Dravidian architecture and has treasures including gold idols and jewels worth billions. The temple's fame surged after the discovery of its hidden treasures in 2011.

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7. Somnath Temple, Gujarat/Annual Income: Around Rs 50 crore in 2022

This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history. The temple's current structure is known for its impressive architecture and its location by the Arabian Sea.

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6. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab/Annual Income: Around Rs 85 crore in 2020

The holiest shrine in Sikhism, the Golden Temple is renowned for its stunning gold-covered exterior and the serene Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar). It serves free meals (langar) to thousands of people daily and attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world.

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5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, UP/Annual Income: Approx. Rs 100 crore in 2023

One of the most sacred temples in Hinduism, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Ganges, the temple is a vital pilgrimage site and is known for its powerful spiritual atmosphere and the belief that a visit here grants liberation (moksha).

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4. Vaishno Devi Temple, J&K/Annual Income: Around Rs 167 crores in 2022

This cave temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi and is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. Located in the Trikuta Mountains, it attracts millions of devotees who undertake a strenuous trek to seek blessings from the goddess.

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3. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha/Annual Income: Over Rs 270 crores in 2023

Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, this temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival), where the deities are taken out in grand processions. The temple is a significant part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.

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2. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra/Annual Income: Approx Rs 900 crore in 2023

Dedicated to Sai Baba, a spiritual leader revered by people of all faiths, this temple receives donations from devotees worldwide. The temple complex includes several other structures, each significant to the life and teachings of Sai Baba.

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1. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara/Annual Income: Over Rs 1,000 crores in 2023

The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a Vishnu incarnation. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in the world, with millions of devotees offering cash, gold, and jewellery. The temple's wealth is boosted by the popular Brahmotsavam festival.

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