Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 25: Six temples from Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts figure among the top 10 highest-revenue temples under the state muzrai department. Of these, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada district has emerged as the top revenue earner in the state, with an annual income of Rs 155.95 crore. However, despite the high revenue, a severe shortage of officers and staff is evident in Dakshina Kannada district.

In the financial year 2024–25 alone, just 10 temples in Dakshina Kannada district generated an income of Rs 248,57,17,767. Collectively, A, B and C grade temples in the district have an income exceeding Rs 500 crore. In contrast, there is a noticeable lack of officers and staff in the department.

Kukke Subrahmanya Temple (file photo)

In Dakshina Kannada district, under the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments department, there are 42 A-grade temples, 38 B-grade temples and 416 C-grade temples. Among the A-grade temples, executive officer (EO) posts have been sanctioned for Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, Puttur Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Uppinangady Sri Sahasralingeshwara Temple, Someshwara Sri Somanatha Temple, Polali Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Kudupu Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple and Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple.

Of these, EO posts have been filled in only seven temples, while Uppinangady Sri Sahasralingeshwara Temple and Someshwara Sri Somanatha Temple are yet to get executive officer appointments.

Out of the 42 A-grade temples in the district, only seven have chief executive officers. These officers have been unofficially given the responsibility of overseeing the remaining A-grade temples as well. From festival management and expenditure to development works, all responsibilities related to A-grade temples are being handled by these few officers.

A total of 20 posts have been sanctioned for the assistant commissioner’s office in Dakshina Kannada district, of which 17 remain vacant. Similarly, the Religious Endowments department tahsildar’s office has five sanctioned posts, with two still lying vacant.

Dakshina Kannada district has the highest number of high-revenue temples in the state. Religious centres in the coastal districts are distinct compared to other regions, with year-round festivals, religious events, renovation works and Brahmakalashotsavas being held continuously. However, due to the shortage of officers and staff in the district’s religious department, the workload on the existing personnel has increased nearly fourfold. Senior officials of the state muzrai department said that the matter has been brought to the attention of the government.