Puri, July 16: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri received more than Rs 116 crore as donation in the last three financial years, according to Odisha’s Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.

The 12the century temple has witnessed an unprecedented surge in offerings from devotees over the past three financial years, with contributions exceeding Rs 116 crore. These donations include not only cash, but also 12 kg of gold and 214 kg of silver.

According to Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, the temple received Rs 8.23 crore in 2021–22, Rs15.46 crore in 2022–23, Rs 16.92 crore in 2023–24. Collectively, Rs 40.61 crore was deposited into the temple hundi (donation box), Rs 59.79 crore via bank deposits, and Rs 12.60 crore from miscellaneous sources.

The temple also received more than 12 kg of gold in the last three years, of which around 3 kg of gold was used for the restoration of sacred items such as Lord Krishna and Vamana idols, Subhadra’s crown, and Goddess Lakshmi’s necklace. Similarly, over 214 kg of silver was received, of which 147 kg has already been utilized in various temple activities.

In response to growing participation yet a relatively limited number of registered donors, the temple administration has initiated efforts to promote online donations and digital hundi systems for greater accessibility.

Devotees and temple associates, including noted servitor Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, have urged the creation of new ceremonial ornaments from donated precious metals to enhance the splendour of the deities.

The rise in offerings highlights both the spiritual devotion and material generosity of millions who visit the temple every year, contributing to its timeless legacy.

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