The sacred Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has witnessed a remarkable surge in pilgrim donations, reaching Rs 171.90 crore in FY 2024-25 (till January), a significant rise from Rs 63.85 crore in 2020-21, as reported by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). The offerings of gold and silver have also seen an unprecedented rise, with gold donations increasing from 9 kgs to 27.7 kgs and silver from 753 kgs to 3,424 kgs over the same period.
Yearly Growth in Donations at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine
According to an RTI reply filed by activist Raman Sharma, the temple board provided the following donation figures:
- FY 2020-21: Rs 63.85 crore
- FY 2021-22: Rs 166.68 crore
- FY 2022-23: Rs 223.12 crore
- FY 2023-24: Rs 231.50 crore
- FY 2024-25 (till January): Rs 171.90 crore
Read also: Vaishno Devi Train Services: Complete Travel Guide for Pilgrims
Pilgrim Footfall Trends at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted pilgrimage, with only 17.20 lakh devotees visiting the shrine in 2020, the lowest in over three decades. However, numbers have steadily increased since then:
- 2021: 55.88 lakh pilgrims
- 2022: 91.25 lakh pilgrims
- 2023: 95.22 lakh pilgrims
- 2024: 94.84 lakh pilgrims
Since the Shrine Board assumed control in 1986, annual pilgrim visits have steadily grown, reaching an all-time high of 1.04 crore in 2012.
Gold and Silver Offerings See Massive Growth
Pilgrims at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine have donated an increasing amount of gold and silver over the years. The official figures indicate:
Gold Donations
- FY 2020-21: 9.075 kgs
- FY 2021-22: 26.351 kgs
- FY 2022-23: 33.258 kgs
- FY 2023-24: 23.477 kgs
- FY 2024-25 (till January): 27.717 kgs
Silver Donations
- FY 2020-21: 753.630 kgs
- FY 2021-22: 2,400.705 kgs
- FY 2022-23: 3,756.582 kgs
- FY 2023-24: 4,072.486 kgs
- FY 2024-25 (till January): 3,424.538 kgs
The donated metals undergo refining, and purified gold and silver are later sold at the shrine’s souvenir shops.
How to Make Donations at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Pilgrims can contribute in multiple ways, including cash, demand drafts, cheques, and online transactions. The Shrine Board has established various donation counters at:
- Bhawan (3 counters)
- Sanjichhat (1 counter)
- Adhkuwari (1 counter)
- Enquiry & Reservation Office, Niharika Complex, Katra (1 counter)
- Central Office of Shrine Board, Katra (1 counter)
Cash Donations
Pilgrims can drop cash in over 100 donation boxes (danpatras) placed throughout the pilgrimage route and at the holy Bhawan. However, donations through these boxes do not provide official receipts.
Cheque & Demand Draft Donations
Devotees can contribute via cheques or demand drafts payable to: “Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra.”
Send cheques/drafts to:
- Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Katra, J&K, India
- Chief Accounts Officer, SMVDSB, Katra, India
- Asst. Manager (Donations), SMVDSB, Katra, India
For queries, contact:
Read also: Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025 – Helpline and Contact Information
Online & Digital Donations
To make the process easier, devotees can now donate via Paytm under the “Devotion” segment:
- Login to Paytm App → Recharge & Bill Payment → Other Services → Devotion → Donation to SMVDSB
- Login to Paytm App → Recharge & Bill Payment → Other Services → Donation → Donation to SMVD Charitable Society
Additionally, donations can be made through RTGS, NEFT, and IMPS to the official donation account:
- Account Name: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
- Account Number: 23441450000128
- IFSC Code: HDFC0002344
- Branch: HDFC, Katra
- PAN Number: AAETS9822J
Foreign & NRI Donations
Overseas devotees are requested to provide email IDs and contact details while making donations for issuing receipts.
The significant increase in donations and pilgrim visits at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine reflects its deep-rooted spiritual significance and devotion. With multiple ways to donate, including digital payments, devotees can seamlessly contribute to the temple while benefiting from tax exemptions. As faith and donations continue to rise, the shrine remains a symbol of divine blessings and unwavering belief.
For online donations and further details, visit the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
