Srikakulam: Temples witness big dip in offerings amid lockdown

Srikakulam: Covid-19 has its impact even on God as most of the noted temples lost their sheen in the wake of lockdown imposed for the last 70 days. All temples in the district remained closed since March 22 in the wake of Covid pandemic. As a result, devotees' movement, offerings, regular rituals, sales of tickets for darshanam, prasadams and donations have been completely stopped and noted temples are losing their valuable earnings across the district.

The district has 825 temples under Endowments department of them only 94 are noted temples from which revenue is being generated through regular religious activities. Remaining 731 temples are earning revenue in less amount of money which is adequate to meet their maintenance expenditure in normal days.

As per endowment rules, temples are divided into categories basing on their annual revenue earning capacity. Temples which are earning up to Rs 50,000 and below Rs 5 lakh are categorised as local temples. The temples, where their annual earnings crossed Rs 25 lakh and below Rs one crore, are categorised as noted temples.

In Srikakulam, Sun God at Arasavalli is earning more than Rs one crore revenue. Seven temples are earning up to Rs one crore and more than Rs 25 lakh. 39 temples are earning up to Rs 25 lakh and more than Rs 2 lakh. Remaining 47 temples are earning up to Rs two lakh and more than Rs 50,000. Revenue generated temples are 94 out of total 825 and remaining 731 temples are not earning revenue in the district.

In the wake of Covid lockdown, revenue earning 94 temples are affected severely.

Noted temples like Sun God at Arasavalli, Sri Kurmanadha temple, Sri Mukhalingeswara Swamy temple and other temples are losing their revenue and looking for devotees and government aid for its maintenance. "Temples have lost their earnings due to lockdown and waiting for relaxation of curbs for regular activities," said assistant commissioner (AC) for endowments Y Bhadraji.