Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance has facilitated revenue generation of ₹22.26 crore for 21 major temples under the Endowments Department, excluding Tirumala, since its launch in January 2025, according to a departmental press release.

The digital platform enables devotees to book darshan and seva tickets, reserve tonsure services and make e-Hundi donations directly through their mobile phones, eliminating the need to stand in long queues. The initiative has emerged as a significant revenue generator for temples across the State. Between May 11 and June 11 alone, temples received ₹12.91 crore through the platform.

The service has also gained widespread acceptance among devotees, with nearly 30% of all darshan and seva ticket bookings now being made through WhatsApp Governance, the release said.

Among the temples, Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple at Srikalahasti recorded the highest revenue of ₹3.39 crore through online bookings and donations.

Other leading contributors were Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Devasthanam, Annavaram, which generated over ₹2 crore; Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam, Srisailam, ₹1.77 crore; Sri Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam, Dwaraka Tirumala, ₹1.54 crore; Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple, Vijayawada, ₹1.53 crore; and Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Simhachalam, ₹1.04 crore.

Devotees can access temple information, check ticket availability, make bookings and instantly download ticket PDFs by sending a “Hi” message on WhatsApp. To further streamline services, Mana Mitra Service Centres have been established at select temples. Those booking tickets through the platform can avail themselves of dedicated counters and special queue lines, ensuring quicker and more convenient darshan, the release added.