Mysore :  The Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill recorded a total collection of Rs. 98,63,370 apart from jewellery and foreign currencies in the 2-day counting that take place on Wednesday and Thursday last.

On the first day, four big hundis (offering box) were counted when Rs. 59, 76, 850 was found in cash and on the second day, the counting of offerings from two hundis amounted to Rs. 38,86,520, totalling to Rs. 98,63,370.

The counting which normally takes place once in two months, was delayed this time on account of Assembly elections.

Apart from cash, foreign currencies in the form of coins and notes were found and the entire counting process was videographed, with more than 100 personnel from Canara Bank, Nazarbad in the city taking part in the counting, under the supervision of DC Dr. Ramegowda, Bank Manager Chandrasekhar, Temple Executive Officer Gramopadhyaya, chief priest Sashisekhar Dixit and others.

The hundis will be opened again after the conclusion of Ashada month, according to the authorities.

Meanwhile, Muzrai Tahasildar Yathiraj said that the Temple hundis, on an average, recorded a collection of Rs. 6 crore every year and the temple earned an annual revenue of Rs. 14 crore from all means, including special poojas and services, out of which Rs. 8 crore is spent on Dasoha, Raths, temple decoration and salaries. The remaining is deposited as Fixed deposit in the Bank, he pointed out.

ISO recognition

It is learnt that the Chamundi temple, despite the facilities and arrangements, is yet to get ISO recognition while other famous temples at MM Hills in Kollegal Taluk and Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud have already gained ISO recognition.

Perhaps, the reason may be that the Chamundi Hill lacked in drinking water supply, proper sanitation and a clean environment, it is said.