Kanaka Durga temple prasadam, tonsure, parking prices hiked

Increase in prices of laddu ingredients is reason, says EO Surya Kumari

A file photo of the Kanaka Durga temple.

Visiting the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam is going to be a costly affair for the devotees as the temple’s trust board on Tuesday increased the prices of parking, laddu prasadam and others by more than double.

In a meeting convened here, the committee reviewed the proposals made by the temple administration towards increasing revenue and other development works.

The committee approved the proposals for a hike in the price of the smallest laddu prasadam from ₹10 to ₹20, Sri Chakra Laddu from ₹50 to ₹100, tonsuring ticket from ₹15 to ₹20 and ghat road parking lot fee from ₹5 to ₹25 for motorcycles and ₹50 for four-wheelers. The basic fare for vehicle parking is higher than the basic fare charged at other places in the city, including the shopping malls. The laddu weight was increased from 80 gram to 100 gram.

The administration also proposed to levy charges on devotees using the four lifts in the Mahamandapam and also increase the price of Sri Datta Anagha Devi Vratham from ₹50 to ₹100 but the committee had turned down the proposals.

Speaking to reporters later, EO A. Surya Kumari said the increase in the price of the prasadam was due to increase in the prices of ingredients. She said the quality of the laddu would be improved.

Parking lots

Ms. Kumari said the ghat road was being repaired and parking slots would be made available for vehicles. The committee also reviewed the development work and arrangements for the forthcoming Bhavani Deeksha Viramana ((relinquishment of the deeksha).