Male Mahadeshwara Temple Achieves Major Revenue Milestone in Karnataka
The historic Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Temple, located atop the MM Hills in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district, has achieved a significant financial milestone by crossing the Rs 100-crore mark in annual revenue collection. This accomplishment establishes it as the second-highest revenue-generating Muzrai temple in the state of Karnataka, trailing only behind the renowned Kukke Shri Subramanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada.
Steady Growth and Projected Figures
After hovering near the Rs 100-crore threshold for several years, the temple authority successfully breached this milestone two years ago and has maintained a consistent upward trajectory ever since. With approximately 20 days remaining in the current financial year, temple officials project that revenue will surpass Rs 130 crore, bringing it closer to the Kukke Temple's annual collection range of Rs 137–140 crore.
This year's Maha Shivaratri jathra alone generated a record-breaking Rs 3.3 crore in hundi collections, marking the highest single-event contribution in the shrine's history according to temple authorities.
Devotee Footfall and Pilgrim Attraction
The 700-year-old temple draws an estimated 50–65 lakh devotees annually, with peak visitation occurring during major festivals. The heaviest footfall is witnessed during Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi, and Deepavali jathras, when between four to six lakh pilgrims visit the sacred site. Significant crowds also gather on Amavasya and other auspicious days throughout the year.
Infrastructure Development Driving Revenue Growth
Officials credit the steady revenue increase to enhanced infrastructure and facilities following the establishment of the Shree Malai Mahadeshwara Swamy Kshethra Development Authority by the state government. This authority has made substantial investments in amenities designed to improve pilgrim movement and elevate service quality for visitors.
Temple revenue has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years:
- 2021-22: Approximately Rs 52 crore
- 2022-23: Nearly doubled to Rs 100 crore with expenditure of Rs 88 crore
- 2023-24: Rs 118 crore with expenditure of Rs 91.8 crore
- 2024-25: Rs 123.6 crore with expenditure of Rs 114.1 crore
Collections have grown at an annual rate of approximately 20% over the past two fiscal years.
Primary Revenue Sources and Utilization
The temple generates income through multiple channels including:
- Laddu prasadam sales
- Rental income from shops, dormitories, guest houses, and petrol bunks
- Proceeds from various sevas, pujas, and religious rituals
Shree Malai Mahadeshwara Swamy Kshethra Development Authority executive secretary AE Raghu explained to media that the shrine's growing popularity, supported by improved connectivity and free bus travel schemes, has attracted devotees from across Karnataka. "The revenue is being utilized for the development, maintenance, and smooth functioning of the Srikshetra," he stated, emphasizing the reinvestment of funds into temple infrastructure and services.
