Sai Baba of Shirdi

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Popularity and economics of the Shirdi temple

Saibaba temple earned Rs 1,441 crore in last five years

PTI | May 15, 2013

PTI

An idol of the Sai Baba of Shirdi

In 2008, about 20,000 devotees used to visit the Saibaba's shrine daily, but presently figures show that around 60,000 people come to visit the temple every day and the number goes up to about one lakh on weekends.

Saibaba Sansthan trust has recorded Rs 1,441 crore income in the last five years, with 22 per cent higher donations received every year, Sansthan's executive officer Kishor More said on Wednesday.

The trust has spent Rs 828 crore on various beneficial works for devotees, including Rs 160 crore on hospital, 'prasadalaya' and funds allotted in the form of donations to various charity trusts, More said, quoting the figures recorded after the Sansthan's audit conducted recently by a government recognised agency.

Five years back, about 20,000 devotees used to visit the Saibaba's shrine daily, but presently figures show that around 60,000 people come to visit the temple everyday and the number goes up to about one lakh on weekends.

During special festivals at least two to three lakh devotees visit the famous shrine, More said, adding that the daily income now was around Rs 45 lakh, as compared to Rs 20 lakh per day five years back.

The trust has contributed funds on building super-speciality hospital, Shirdi's roads, water arrangements, various developmental works including Chief Minister's Relief fund and Shirdi's airport, he said.

The audited report of the Sansthan will be tabled in the state assembly during the winter session for grant, he said. When asked about 'hidden donations' in boxes like gold ornaments, cash and foreign currency, More said the trust has not a separate machinery to check such things because when devotees come to seek blessings of Saibaba they donate money, but from where they get it is difficult to know.

Instead of counting donated money once in a week in practice five years back, now it is being counted twice a week and an officer from charity commissioner's office and Sansthan's officials remains present at the time of opening and closing of donation boxes, a video recording of which is also done, More added.