UDAIPUR: The donation boxes and coffers of the historic Mata Tripura Sundari Temple were reopened on Tuesday morning, nearly a month and twenty days after they were last opened, with the counting process beginning under tight security.
A total of 17 coffers and donation boxes from the temple premises were opened, and the counting continued throughout the day into the evening. The boxes were last opened on May 18, when approximately Rs 20.52 lakh was collected, and administrative sources said a similarly substantial amount is expected this time.
Officials said the donation boxes contained not just Indian currency but foreign currency from various countries as well, reflecting the temple’s growing popularity among international tourists and pilgrims, in addition to domestic devotees.
A special 17-member team constituted by the Gomati District Magistrate’s office is overseeing the counting process. Deputy Collector Chandrashekhar Chattopadhyay said the counting was being conducted strictly as per prescribed rules and was expected to conclude between 6 PM and 7 PM.