Coronavirus dries updaan-peti at temples

Much-visited shrines in and around Gujarat like Somnath, Dwarka, Ambaji and Shrinathji which received donation worth crores per month now receive a few lakhs via online transfers

By Nischal Sanghavi, Nikunj Soni and Kulsum Yusuf

♦ Devbhoomi Dwarka
Dwarkadhish temple

Before lockdown: Rs 1 cr per month
After lockdown: 0 per month

The Dwakadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old and dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devbhoomi Dwarka Collector Narendra Kumar Meena, who is also a trustee of the temple trust, said about 6,000 to 8,000 devotees visit in normal times with the fi gure touching 10,000 during the weekends. The temple receives an average donation of Rs 1 crore every month. “However, the donations have stopped since the temple was locked down,” he said.

The temple receives Rs 1 crore donation per month during normal times. At present donation is zero
Narendra Kumar Meena, Collector, Dwarka


♦ Junagadh district
Somnath temple

Before lockdown: Rs 3 cr per month
After lockdown: Rs 2 L per month

Somnath temple in coastal town of Veraval in Saurashtra is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga (self-manifested) shrines of Lord Shiva in India. As per Vijaysinh Chavda, General Manager, Somnath Temple Trust, the shrine is under total lockdown. Only the pujari and a few others perform aarti every morning. He said, “The temple gets Rs 3 crore donation per month. The donations have stopped for over one-and-a-half month now. Since the lockdown, the donation has reduced to Rs 2 lakh per month via online transfers.”

From Rs 3 crore per month, donation has come down to Rs 2 lakh per month
Vijaysinh Chavda, GM, Somnath Temple Trust


♦ Shrinathji temple,
Nathdwara in Rajasthan

Before lockdown: `3 cr per month
After lockdown: `10 L per month

The famous Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara in Rajasthan, which has 70 per cent of its devotees coming from Gujarat, has seen its donations drop drastically. As per Jitendra Oza, CEO (administration), the temple usually receives almost Rs 3 crore donation per month besides other income from manoraths (different kinds of devotional prayers) and Rs 1 crore from renting out cottages.

After lockdown, we got Rs 10 lakh via online donation and another Rs 8 lakh income. We are incurring an expense of Rs 3 crore per month
–Jitendra Oza, CEO, temple trust


♦ Ambaji temple,
Danta in Banaskantha district

Before lockdown: `3.30 cr per month
After lockdown: `2.57 L per month

Ambaji is the famous shrine of Goddess Amba and is located in Banaskantha. It receives average donation of Rs 3 crore to Rs 3.30 crore per month. Since the lockdown, the temple has received only Rs 2.57 lakh as online donation. Ambaji Temple Trust’s account officer Savjibhai Prajapati said, “Our income is Rs 3 crore to 3.50 crore per month during the normal times. Since March 20, we have hardly got anything.”

Last year, we received income of Rs 6.11 crore during the months of April and May. This time, it’s only Rs 2.57 lakh via online donations
–Savjibhai Prajapati, account officer


♦ Mata no Madh,
Lakhpat, Kutch

Before lockdown: Figures not shared
Before lockdown: Figures not shared

Mata no Madh is a 14th century temple dedicated to Goddess Ashapura. Temple trustee Khengarji Jadeja said donations have trickled down to just 2 per cent of usual value. Thousands of devotees flock the temple for darshan during the Chaitra month (around March, April). Jadeja said, “Devotees transfer Rs 500 online when they can’t pay visit. The temple is managed by the trust and the donation box is opened only when it is full. So, we cannot calculate the amount right now,” said Jadeja.

The temple is managed by the trust and the donation box is opened only when it is full. So, we cannot calculate the amount right now
–Khangarji Jadeja, trustee


♦ Pavagadh temple,
Panchmahal district

Before lockdown: `60 L per month
After lockdown: Figures not shared

Pavagadh temple is the famous shrine of Goddess Kalika. It receives yearly donation of Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore, which comes to average of Rs 60 lakh per month. During auspicious days about 15,000 to 20,000 devotees visit the temple. Its trustee Surendra Patel said, “I don’t know the exact monthly contribution from devotees, but annually we receive Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore.” Trustee Raju Bhatt said, “We don’t consider donations as income. We can’t divulge details as it is about our faith and sentiments.”

I don’t know the exact monthly contribution from devotees, but annually we receive Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore
–Surendra Patel, trustee


♦ Koteshwar Temple,
Narayan Sarovar, Kutch

Before lockdown: Figures not shared
After lockdown: Figures not shared

Situated on the tip of Gulf of Kutch, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Manager S Paniya said the temple has not received any donation in absence of devotees since March 25. “The donation box is opened once it is full and only in the presence of government representatives. So, we cannot say anything about the loss due to lockdown. The government keeps 75% of the donation and gives 25% to the temple manager for maintenance purpose.” The Brahmins engaged in performing religious rituals are also facing losses.

The donation box is opened once it is full and only in the presence of government representatives. So, we cannot say anything about the loss due to lockdown
–S Paniya, manager, temple trust