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Revenue streams are diverse, ranging from hundi collections and sale of laddu prasadam to rent from shops, guest houses and even petrol bunks.
The temple, believed to be over 700 years old, sees an annual footfall ranging from 50 to 65 lakh devotees. Image: X
Tucked away in the forested hills of Chamarajanagar, a steady stream of devotees has been making its way to one of Karnataka’s most revered pilgrimage centres. Over the years, that devotion has translated into a sharp rise in revenue that now places the temple among the state’s top earners.
The Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple at MM Hills has crossed the Rs 100 crore annual income mark, emerging as the second highest revenue-generating temple in Karnataka. Highest revenue in Karnataka is seen at Sri Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple, Dakshina Kannada district. Both the temples are run by the state’s Muzrai department.
A Consistent Rise in Revenue
The growth has not been sudden. Temple authorities indicate that income has been steadily climbing over the past few years, reflecting a sustained increase in footfall and offerings.
After crossing the Rs 100 crore milestone earlier for the first time, the temple has continued to build on that momentum. With the current financial year nearing its end, total revenue is expected to go beyond Rs 130 crore, underlining a consistent upward trend.
Much of this surge can be traced to major festival periods. During Maha Shivaratri this year, the temple recorded a single-day hundi collection of around Rs 3.3 crore, the highest in its history.
Festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi and Deepavali draw large crowds, with lakhs of devotees visiting the temple over short spans. Even on regular auspicious days like Amavasya, the influx remains significant, contributing to the steady flow of income.
Lakhs of Devotees Every Year
The temple, believed to be over 700 years old, sees an annual footfall ranging from 50 to 65 lakh devotees. This consistent turnout has played a key role in strengthening its financial position.
The temple’s location in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, combined with religious significance, has helped maintain a strong and loyal devotee base that continues to grow each year.
Officials attribute the rising revenue not just to faith, but also to improved infrastructure and facilities. Following the establishment of the Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Kshethra Development Authority, several upgrades have been implemented.
Better road connectivity, improved accommodation, transport access, and enhanced cleanliness and basic services have made the pilgrimage more accessible and comfortable. These changes have encouraged more visitors, directly impacting revenue.
Income Trends Over the Years
The temple’s earnings reflect a clear upward trajectory:
- 2021–22: Around Rs 52 crore
- 2022–23: Around Rs 100 crore
- 2023–24: Around Rs 118 crore
- 2024–25: Around Rs 123.6 crore
Officials estimate that income has grown by nearly 20% annually over the past two years.
Where the Money Comes From
Revenue streams are diverse, ranging from hundi collections and sale of laddu prasada to rent from shops, guest houses and even petrol bunks. Income from sevas, poojas and rituals also contributes significantly. The temple has showed 6 crore rupees profit in Laddu alone this year.
The temple’s financial rise mirrors a larger pattern seen across major pilgrimage centres — where improved access and facilities are amplifying traditional faith-driven footfall. For Male Mahadeshwara Temple, the journey from a revered shrine to one of Karnataka’s top-earning temples appears firmly on track.
March 25, 2026, 12:23 IST
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