Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple located in Ujjain is once again in the headlines, but this time the reason is the increasing income along with the faith of the devotees. In this financial year, the temple committee has earned a total income of Rs 142 crore, which is said to be the largest figure till date. The largest portion of this has come from donations and sale of Laddus Prasadi. According to the temple administration, due to the continuous increase in the number of devotees, this income is reaching new levels every year.
After the inauguration of Shri Mahakal Lok in the year 2022, the number of devotees visiting the temple has increased rapidly. Whereas earlier around 50 thousand devotees used to arrive every day, now this number has reached around 2 lakh. During special occasions like Mahashivratri and Shahi Sawari, this figure increases to more than 6 to 7 lakhs. This increasing crowd has completely changed the arrangements as well as the economic condition of the temple.
Of the total income received by the temple committee, Rs 78 crore has come from direct donations, while Rs 65 crore has come from the sale of laddu prasadi. Donation money has also come from many different mediums. Income of about Rs 62 crore has been recorded from donation boxes, Rs 5.5 crore from cash counter, Rs 3.6 crore through online medium, Rs 3.38 crore from food sector and Rs 4.65 crore in the form of secret donations.
Apart from this, valuable items like gold and silver have also been donated by the devotees, whose value is being estimated in crores of rupees. The temple administration says that this income is not just an economic figure, but is also a symbol of increasing faith and devotion. The demand for Laddu Prasad has also seen a huge increase as devotees coming from far and wide take it with them as Prasad.
While on one hand the income of the temple is increasing rapidly, on the other hand the expenditure is also increasing at the same pace. At present there are about 306 employees working in the temple premises, on whose salaries a huge amount is spent. Apart from this, continuous expenditure is also being made on projects to security arrangements, cleanliness, maintenance and convenience of devotees.
According to the temple administration, more than Rs 5 crore is being spent every month. New arrangements are also being implemented to handle the increasing crowd, so that the darshan system remains smooth. Experts believe that the increase in the number of devotees on such a large scale has not only increased economic activities but has also had a positive impact on the local economy of Ujjain city. Hotel, travel and local business are also seeing good growth.
This record of Mahakal Temple shows how religious tourism can change the economic picture of a city. If this pace continues in the coming times, we may see further increase in both the income of the temple and the number of devotees.
