Sun God temple revenue rises despite low turnout

Srikakulam: Revenue increased though low devotee turnout was witnessed at Sun God temple in Arasavall on Ratha Sapathami on Wednesday. Darshanams and special prayers continued till Wednesday midnight.

According to endowments deputy commissioner NVSN Murthy and assistant commissioner V Shyamala Devi, during Ratha Sapathami festival last year total revenue from all sources is around Rs 52,15,034 and this year revenue it is Rs 67,19, 833. Revenue increased Rs 15,04,799 as against last year during the festival.

Price for tamarind rice, laddus increased this year from Rs 5 to Rs 10 and Rs 10 Rs 15 for per packet and per piece. Last year, 59,640 tamarind packets were sold and earning Rs 2,98,200 and this year only 54,000 packets were sold but Rs 5,45,000 revenue was generated due to increase in price up to Rs 10 from Rs 5. For laddus last year, 55,723 tokens were sold  and revenue was Rs 5,57, 230, this year 48,646 token were sold and earning is Rs 7,30, 290.

Last year, total devotee turnout was recorded as more than one lakh this year it is reduced to 70,000. In all, 1500 officials, staff from police, revenue, endowments, medical and fire departments rendered service for the success of Radha Sapthami. 

According to Superintendent of Police Dr CM Trivikrama Varma, services of 702 police personnel, including additional superintendent of police, constables, home guards, NSS volunteers, NCC cadets and Community Police Officers, were used to make the festival a success.

Another 550 officials from revenue, endowments, medical, fire and other related departments rendered their services. Sanitation neglected till Thursday evening on the temple premises. Hence, devotees were facing trouble to enter temple area. Temple staff said that they will remove it soon as there is carts and staff scarcity.

By Chowdari Lakshmana Rao