The financial records of the Nanjundeshwara Temple in Karnataka’s Nanjangud for 2024-25 have come under scrutiny after it reported revenue of ₹25.86 crore against expenditure of ₹25.68 crore, leaving a surplus of only ₹17.84 lakh.
Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan has reportedly directed officials to examine the temple’s income and expenditure after questions were raised during a temple management committee meeting.
The scrutiny is significant as the temple had reportedly been retaining surpluses of around ₹4 crore or more in previous years. The relatively small surplus recorded in 2024-25 has raised questions over the temple’s expenditure during the financial year.
Several expenditure heads have come under question. The temple reportedly spent ₹3.50 crore towards laddu preparation. Another ₹37.88 lakh was shown as expenditure for parking, while ₹29.89 lakh was spent on CCTV repairs.
The accounts also show ₹17.84 lakh towards shamiana arrangements, ₹6.55 lakh towards bananas and ₹3.18 lakh towards milk and curd. Questions have also been raised over ₹18 lakh shown as expenditure relating to the Kalale temple.
The temple’s ₹2.72-crore silver chariot project has also attracted attention. The expenditure includes a ₹50-lakh bill for woodwork. Reports said officials were asked to inspect the chariot work and submit a report.
Farmer leaders and residents in the area have alleged that around ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore may have been misused. However, the allegation of misuse has not been confirmed.
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