Mangaluru: Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple has once again emerged as the richest temple under Karnataka's muzrai department, holding the top spot for the 15th consecutive year. The temple reported an annual income of Rs 167.8 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Revenue Growth
The revenue generated between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, rose by nearly Rs 12 crore compared to the Rs 155 crore earned in 2024–25. During the same period, the temple's expenditure stood at Rs 85.2 crore, leaving a substantial surplus.
Major Income Sources
A major share of the income came from seva-related offerings and special rituals, which together contributed Rs 64 crore. Hundi collections amounted to Rs 24.6 crore, while direct offerings accounted for Rs 5.4 crore. E-hundi contributions added Rs 38 lakh, reflecting the growing adoption of digital payment platforms by devotees. The temple is known to attract several high-profile devotees, including Bollywood celebrities and sportspersons.
Interest earned from investments emerged as one of the largest revenue contributors, generating Rs 49.1 crore during the year. Contributions towards choultry maintenance brought in Rs 6.9 crore, while the Annasantarpane fund accounted for Rs 9.1 crore. Other income streams included Rs 2.5 crore from contracts, Rs 94.4 lakh from rentals of buildings and shops, Rs 10.5 lakh from agricultural and plantation produce, and Rs 56.7 lakh through permanent seva deposits. Miscellaneous sources together contributed Rs 3.2 crore.
Historical Performance
In 2006–07, the temple recorded an income of Rs 19.7 crore. The following year, with earnings rising to Rs 24.4 crore, it became the highest-earning temple under the state's muzrai department. Since then, revenues have steadily increased, crossing the Rs 100-crore mark in recent years. The temple's financial growth reflects its enduring popularity and the devotion of its pilgrims.
Impact of COVID-19
Collections dipped temporarily during 2020–21 due to COVID-19 restrictions on pilgrim movement, which severely impacted temple revenues. However, the temple rebounded strongly once normalcy returned, with devotee contributions surging back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. This resilience underscores the temple's significance in the region.
Overall, Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple continues to set benchmarks in temple management and revenue generation, maintaining its position as a leading religious institution in Karnataka.
