Kadaba: The renowned Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, functioning under Karnataka’s Muzrai department, has once again emerged as the highest-earning temple in the state for the 2025–26 financial year. The temple recorded a total revenue of Rs 167.89 crore, retaining its position as Karnataka’s No. 1 Muzrai temple for the 15th consecutive year.
According to official records, the temple generated an income of Rs 167,89,09,080.77 between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. During the same period, the institution reported expenditures amounting to Rs 85.20 crore.
Compared to the previous financial year, when the temple earned Rs 155.95 crore, the latest figures indicate an increase of nearly Rs 12 crore, reflecting the steady rise in pilgrim footfall and temple-related activities.
Multiple revenue streams boost temple earnings
Temple authorities stated that the institution’s revenue was generated through several major sources, including special vow-based rituals, sevas, offerings from devotees, hundi collections, investment interest, rental income, and agricultural activities.
Among the major revenue contributors:
- Rs 2.53 crore was earned through contracts and lease agreements
- Rs 10.5 lakh came from agricultural produce and plantation products
- Rs 94.46 lakh was generated through rent from temple buildings and commercial shops
- Rs 5.47 crore was received through direct offerings by devotees
- Rs 38 lakh was collected through e-Hundi services
- A substantial Rs 49.11 crore was earned through interest from investments
- Additional income was generated through savings account interest, sweep account transactions, permanent seva deposits, development funds, and miscellaneous sources
Temple officials noted that online offerings and digital payment facilities have significantly contributed to revenue growth in recent years. The increasing popularity of online booking for sevas and donations has helped streamline temple operations while improving convenience for devotees.
Temple witnesses consistent financial growth
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple has recorded remarkable financial growth over the last two decades, transforming into one of Karnataka’s wealthiest and most prominent religious institutions.
The temple’s annual revenue stood at Rs 19.76 crore during 2006–07. It increased to Rs 24.44 crore in 2007–08, marking the beginning of a steady upward trend.
In subsequent years, the institution continued to report strong growth:
- Rs 31 crore in 2008–09
- Rs 38.51 crore in 2009–10
- Rs 56.24 crore in 2011–12
- Rs 66.76 crore in 2012–13
- Rs 77.60 crore in 2014–15
- Rs 88.83 crore in 2015–16
- Rs 95.92 crore in 2017–18
- Rs 98.92 crore in 2019–20
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on temple activities and pilgrim movement during 2020–21, causing revenue to decline to Rs 68.94 crore. However, the institution witnessed a rapid recovery after restrictions were eased.
The temple subsequently recorded:
- Rs 72.73 crore in 2021–22
- Rs 123.64 crore in 2022–23
- Rs 146.01 crore in 2023–24
- Rs 155.95 crore in 2024–25
- Rs 167.89 crore in 2025–26
Pilgrim footfall continues to rise
Located in Dakshina Kannada district, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in Karnataka and attracts lakhs of devotees every year from across the country. The temple is especially known for rituals associated with Sarpa Dosha Nivarana and other special religious ceremonies.
Temple authorities attributed the continued financial growth to rising pilgrim footfall, improved facilities, expansion of accommodation services, and increasing participation in special sevas and rituals.
The institution’s strong financial performance also highlights the growing role of religious tourism in Karnataka’s economy. With infrastructure upgrades and digital initiatives continuing to expand, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is expected to maintain its position as the state’s leading Muzrai temple in the coming years.