Jagannath Temple treasury opens after 46 years: What do India's 10 richest temples own?

The Ratna Bhandar, the treasury of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, was reopened on Sunday afternoon after nearly 46 years.

According to reports, the government established an 11-member committee, including a high court judge, the temple trust’s chief, police officers, and temple servitors, to oversee the reopening process. The ceremony began with a ritual known as Agnya. Subsequently, committee members accessed the outer chambers of the treasury and moved the valuables to a temporary strong room for safekeeping.

The government also plans to create a digital catalog of the treasures in Ratna Bhandar, documenting details such as their weight and composition.

India’s rich spiritual heritage includes some of the world’s most opulent temples. Here is the list of the 10 wealthiest temples in India:

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1. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Situated in the Tirumala hills, this temple is one of the world’s wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of Rs 3 lakh crore. The temple receives around 50,000 visitors daily and generates an annual income of Rs 1,400 crore through donations, precious metals, and other sources.

2. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
With assets valued at Rs 1,20,000 crore, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the richest temple globally. Its treasures include gold, emeralds, antique silver, and diamonds. A hidden treasure vault was discovered in 2015, adding to the temple’s vast wealth.

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3. Guruvayur Devaswom, Guruvayoor, Kerala
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds significant wealth, including bank deposits of Rs 1,737.04 crore and 271.05 acres of land. It also boasts a large collection of gold, silver, and precious stones.

4. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu
Located at 5,200 feet above sea level, this temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is one of the richest in India. It received donations of over 1,800 kgs of gold, 4,700 kgs of silver, and Rs 2,000 crore in cash from 2000 to 2020.

5. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra
This popular temple, 296 km from Mumbai, attracts around 25,000 devotees daily. It was built in 1922, and donations exceeded Rs 400 crore in 2022. The temple also supports two hospitals and provides free food to thousands of devotees each day.

6. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Known for its stunning architecture and gold-plated exterior, the Golden Temple is a central Sikh religious site. It was completed in 1581, and its annual income is reported to be Rs 500 crore.

7. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Renowned for its intricate architecture and vibrant festivals, Meenakshi Temple attracts over 20,000 visitors daily. It generates approximately Rs 60 million annually.

8. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
This temple in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area is among the richest, with an estimated net worth of Rs 125 crore. It receives daily donations amounting to Rs 30 lakh and features a Ganesh idol adorned with 4 kgs of gold.

9. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
An important pilgrimage site, Somnath Temple is believed to house the first of the 12 jyotirlingas. The temple holds 130 kgs of gold in its interior and an additional 150 kgs on its shikhar (spire).

10. Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
Founded in the 11th century, the Jagannath Temple is a major pilgrimage site and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Its net worth is estimated at Rs 150 crore, and it owns around 30,000 acres of land.