A phenomenal increase in revenues of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam was recorded in just concluded fiscal, 2011-12. The temple revenues 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 share of darshan tickets is 11.56 per cent of the total revenues, and stood at Rs. 9.33 crore. The darshan tickets accounted for only 5.98 per cent of total collections in 2008-09.
It is pertinent to mention here that the temple doubled the cost of darshan and pooja tickets. Much to the dismay of the devotees thronging the temple, the authorities have scrapped the Rs.5 darshan ticket, which has a wide patronage, in January this year.
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 last financial year 2010-11, and Rs. 7.24 crore in 2008-09. With revision in laddu rates, the 80 gram laddu, which was sold at Rs. 5 in September 2011, is now being sold at Rs.10, that is double the cost. However, the weight of the laddu has been increased to 100 grams.
A decline
Though there is a slight improvement in the collection of coconut halves compared to last year, there is a decline compared to last four years. The temple received Rs. 42.53 lakh through coconut halves in 2008-09. It slipped to Rs. 40.39 lakh in 2010-11.
The income through human hair, which is one of the major sources of revenues, has also increased phenomenally. The temple managed to get Rs. 7.15 core in 2011-12 compared to last fiscal's Rs. 2.94 crore.
On the other hand, the authorities have completed 95 per cent of works on old age home at Poranki. The construction of suits at Jammidoddi is also nearing completion.
Community hall
The temple officials are proposing to construct an entrance and exit ramp with a cost of Rs. 8.2 crore. Construction of a community hall at Gunadala staff quarters, providing fire fighting and safety equipment, and providing two lifts at Mallikarjuna mahamandapam were some of the other works proposed for 2012-13 year.
