Puri's Jagannath Temple Receives Massive Donations Totaling Rs 304.57 Crore and 58kg Gold
In a remarkable revelation of devotional generosity, the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri has amassed substantial financial and precious metal contributions from devotees over multiple decades. Official data presented in the Odisha assembly on Saturday disclosed that the temple received donations worth approximately Rs 304.57 crore over the past thirteen years, alongside nearly 58 kilograms of gold offerings spanning forty-three years.
Detailed Breakdown of Temple Donations
State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan provided these figures in response to a written question posed by BJD legislator Dhruba Charan Sahoo. The minister's comprehensive reply specified that between the financial years 2011–12 and 2024–25, devotees contributed Rs 304.57 crore in monetary donations. Simultaneously, offerings of 58 kilograms of gold were recorded between FY 1981–82 and 2024–25.
For the current fiscal year 2024–25 alone, the temple's hundi (traditional donation box) has collected Rs 18.59 crore in cash donations. Additionally, devotees have presented 3.44 kilograms of mixed gold and 33.65 kilograms of silver ornaments during this period, highlighting continued substantial giving.
Security and Management of Precious Offerings
According to authoritative temple sources, all gold and silver offerings are meticulously secured in a bank locker on a daily basis to ensure their safety and preservation. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) manages these donations through both online and offline channels under three distinct schemes designed to accommodate various levels of contribution.
- General Donation Scheme: This flexible option allows devotees to contribute any amount according to their capacity and devotion.
- Corpus Fund Scheme: Donations under this scheme range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, with donors receiving special privileges including diya (lamp) and dhwaja (flag) offerings.
- Temple Repair or Renovation Scheme: Contributions start at Rs 500 and are eligible for income tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, providing financial incentive for supporting temple maintenance.
Launch of Digital Hundi – Samarpan Platform
In a significant modernization initiative, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched Digital Hundi – Samarpan on July 4, 2025. This secure online platform enables devotees across India and internationally to make contributions conveniently from their homes, expanding accessibility beyond physical temple visits.
During his budget speech on Friday, CM Majhi emphasized the spiritual significance of the platform, stating, "Devotees worldwide consider it auspicious to begin sacred work by offering something to Lord Jagannath. The Samarpan platform connects devotees with the temple through a unified gateway integrated with the official SJTA portal, supporting multiple payment options."
Enhanced Donation Facilities and Security Measures
The new digital system also incorporates QR code donation capabilities, with banks instructed to establish QR code stations outside the temple premises in coordination with SJTA authorities. These QR codes will be prominently displayed at ATMs, bank branches, and other key locations throughout Puri to facilitate secure and convenient transactions for visitors.
An SJTA official provided important guidance for devotees, advising, "We always advise devotees to visit the official website of the temple for donation details and remain vigilant against cyber fraud. They can also visit our office in Puri to donate directly." This caution underscores the administration's commitment to protecting devotees from potential scams while ensuring transparent donation processes.
The substantial donations reflect deep-seated devotion to the 12th-century temple, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The integration of traditional giving methods with modern digital platforms represents a strategic approach to maintaining this centuries-old tradition while adapting to contemporary technological advancements.
