India is a land where history, faith, and architecture blend seamlessly, creating a spiritual and cultural tapestry that fascinates millions of visitors from around the globe. Temples across the country are not only revered as sacred spaces but also stand as historical marvels with massive spiritual and material wealth. Many of these temples receive crores in donations annually, with devotees offering gold, silver, diamonds, and precious artifacts as symbols of their devotion.
Let’s explore some of the wealthiest temples in India in 2025, their legends, and the staggering fortunes they continue to receive.
1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala
Known as: The Richest Temple in the World
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this ancient temple made global headlines in 2011 when treasure worth over ₹1,00,000 crore (~US$22 billion) was discovered in its underground vaults. The artifacts included:
- Antique gold ornaments
- A gold idol of Lord Mahavishnu worth ₹500 crore
- Crowns, gold bows, 17 kg gold coins from the East India Company era
- An 18-ft golden necklace and gold trinkets shaped like rice grains
- Diamond-studded items and emerald-encrusted jewellery
2. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Annual Revenue (2025): ₹1,200+ crore
Situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh, this Vaishnavite temple is one of the most visited religious sites in the world, attracting over 60,000 visitors daily. Donors have included kings like Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire and millions of common devotees.
Offerings include gold coins, jewellery, and even corporate donations. The famous Laddu Prasadam alone generates crores in revenue every year.
3. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra
Annual Revenue: ₹200 crore
Located in Shirdi, the shrine dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi houses a marble idol sculpted by Balaji Vasant Talim. With a devoted global following, the temple receives a massive flow of wealth annually, including ₹32 crore in jewelry and lakhs worth of silver coins.
4. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu
Annual Revenue: ₹500+ crore
Set in the Trikuta Mountains at 5,200 feet, this temple receives over 1 crore visitors each year. Devotees trek to the holy cave to witness three natural rock formations (pindies), believed to be manifestations of Goddess Durga. Its massive annual donations make it one of the richest shrines in North India.
5. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Annual Revenue: ₹100 crore
Established in 1801, the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi attracts everyone—from daily devotees to Bollywood celebrities and politicians. Known for fulfilling wishes, the temple has become a symbol of faith and prosperity.
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6. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar
Annual Revenue: ₹50 crore
The spiritual heart of Sikhism, Sri Harmandir Sahib, known for its stunning gold-plated exterior, attracts millions each year. The temple’s sanctum is surrounded by a sacred pool, and its architecture is both inviting and majestic. The canopy and inner sanctum are richly decorated with gold and precious stones.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Fixed Assets: Approx. ₹75 crore
Located on the banks of the Ganges, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. With the completion of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, visitor numbers and donations have surged, contributing to a steady increase in the temple’s wealth and infrastructure.
8. Guruvayurappan Temple, Kerala
Annual Hundi Collection: ₹2.5 crore/month
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Guruvayur is often referred to as the Dwarka of the South. With an estimated 6–10 million devotees visiting annually, the temple trust has a capital base of around ₹400 crore and sits on over 230 acres of land.
9. Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Annual Revenue: ₹70 crore
One of the Shakti Peethas, the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Special processions are held on full moon days and Fridays, drawing thousands of devotees who contribute significantly to the temple’s income.
10. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh
Annual Revenue: ₹70+ crore
The temple, known for its stunning jewel-encrusted chariots and deep religious significance, draws thousands of pilgrims daily. The saint’s idol is ceremonially paraded every day, showcasing both tradition and grandeur.