Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the number of pilgrims and tourists, setting new records daily.

The Ram Temple has now emerged as the third-highest revenue-generating religious shrine in India, surpassing famous temples like the Golden Temple, Vaishno Devi, and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in annual earnings. Since the consecration of Ram Lalla on January 22, more than 130 Million devotees and tourists have visited Ayodhya. The temple’s annual revenue has now crossed Rs 700 Crore.

Ayodhya’s rapid transformation is playing a significant role in boosting not just the economy of Uttar Pradesh but also the nation’s economy. Currently, the daily influx of devotees and tourists ranges between two to five lakh, creating challenges in providing seamless darshan and accommodation. The surge in visitors has propelled the Ram Temple into the list of India’s top ten religious shrines in terms of donations, securing the third position.

A large number of devotees offer donations in cash as well as gold and silver to the temple. According to Prof Vinod Srivastava, General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand Economic Association, a study and estimation indicate that in the financial year 2024-25, the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh is expected to generate annual donations of approximately Rs 1,500-1,650 Crore. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala holds the second position, with an estimated annual collection of Rs 750-850 Crore.

The surge in pilgrims arriving in Ayodhya has also led to record-breaking donations. Following their holy dip at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, millions of devotees have been flocking to the Ram Temple. On an average day, around four lakh devotees offer prayers at the temple, a trend that has continued since Makar Sankranti. Prakash Gupta, the in-charge of the temple trust office, stated that the trust’s ten donation counters are collectively receiving contributions exceeding `10 Lakh per day. Estimates suggest that in just one month of the Maha Kumbh, over Rs 5 Crore has been collected in donations, including offerings made in the six donation boxes placed before Ram Lalla.

“With the rising influx of devotees, Ayodhya is on its way to becoming one of India’s most significant religious and tourist destinations, solidifying its status as a spiritual and economic powerhouse,” Anil Mishra, Trustee of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nayas, said.

India’s Top Revenue-Generating Temples (Annual Revenue in Crores)

1. Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh – Rs 1,500-1,650 Crore

2. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala – Rs 750-850 Crore

3. Ram Temple, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – Rs 700 Crore

4. Golden Temple, Punjab – Rs 650 Crore

5. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir – Rs 600 Crore

6. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra – Rs 500 Crore

7. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha – Rs 400 Crore

8. Akshardham Temple, New Delhi – Rs 200-250 Crore

9. Somnath Temple, Gujarat – Rs 150-200 Crore