Dehradun: The Kedarnath temple recorded total earnings of Rs 71.06 crore from offerings, donations and different services in the 2024-25 financial year, registering a 34.32 per cent increase over the previous year's collection.
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) provided these figures in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by activist Amit Gupta. The shrine's earnings during the 2023-24 financial period were Rs 52.90 crore.
The total available funds for the Himalayan shrine reached Rs 74.84 crore after including an opening balance of Rs 3.77 crore, the reply said.
The temple committee earned Rs 14.18 crore from special pujas and Rs 9.59 crore from 'thali bhet' (offerings). Primary darshan through helicopter services generated Rs 3.19 crore for the shrine. Special donations and 'hundi' (collection boxes) accounted for Rs 4.46 crore.
The temple also collected Rs 1.56 crore from 'yatri bhog' and Rs 2.75 crore as interest on investments.
Total expenditure for the shrine stood at Rs 66.39 crore for the period ending March 31, 2025. The closing cash and bank balance remained at Rs 8.44 crore.
The temple had recorded an expenditure of Rs 54.16 crore against an income of Rs 52.90 crore during the 2023-24 financial year, according to the RTI reply.
Speaking to PTI, BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the committee manages 47 temples, as well as the Badrinath Dham, in addition to the Kedarnath temple.
"We employ approximately 600 to 700 personnel including temporary and seasonal staff. Salaries account for Rs 20-25 crore of the expenditure," Dwivedi added.
The chairman noted that funds support the maintenance of 47 temples, 27 guest houses and seven schools. Major expenses include devotee services, tourist amenities and maintenance work during the opening and closing of the shrines.
