Jan 9, 2011

HOW RICH IS THE SAI BABA TEMPLE AT SHIRDI ?

The Famous Pilgrim centre of Shri Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, one of the richest temples in Maharashtra, 

has Ornaments and Jewellery worth over Rs.32 crore (Rs.320 million) 

and Investments running into Rs.4,27,17,02,929 (Rs 420.17 crore), according to official documents.

The Administration of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi), governed by the Managing Committee

which was constituted by the Maharashtra Government way back on 23rd August`2004 has:

1) Kisan Vikas Patras worth Rs.51,71,00,100 (Rs 51.71 crore),

2) Government of India 8% Saving Bonds amounting to Rs.48,15,53,000 (Rs 48.16 crore),

3) Irredeemable Bonds of Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran worth Rs.8 crore (Rs 80 million)

4) Rs.3,19,30,49,929 (Rs 319.30 crore) in various nationalised banks.

5) It has Rs.47,82,31,835.64 (Rs 47.82 crore) as Trust Corpus Fund.

The Trust Auditor Mr.Sharad S Gaikwad in its annual audit for 2009-10 said that the Temple Trust

has Ornaments & Jewellery whose total worth stands at Rs.32,23,59,372 (Rs 32.236 crore).

1) Gold worth Rs.24,41,10,640-cr,

2) Silver worth Rs.3,26,19,152-cr,

3) Silver Coins worth Rs.612,317 (Rs 6.12 lakh)

4) Gold Coins worth Rs.1,28,89,749 (Rs 1.288 crore)

5) Gold pendants worth Rs.1,12,31,903 (Rs 1.123 crore)

This Annual Report was tabled in Maharashtra's State Legislature during its winter session in December 2010.

The Sai Temple has earned a surplus income of Rs.94,67,79,142 (Rs 94.677 crore) in the year 2009-10,

as against Rs.87,22,71,012 (Rs 87.227 crore) in the year 2008-09.

The total income during the year 2009-10 was Rs.1,64,88,01,030 (Rs 164.88 crore) 

by way of rent, interest on savings bank accounts, investments & donations, 

as against Rs.1,51,51,43,503 (Rs 151.51 crore) in previous year. 

The Immovable property & buildings are worth Rs.79,28,30,95 (Rs 79.28 crore),

including the Statue of Sai Baba worth Rs.8 lakhs (Rs 800,000), the annual report stated.

The Chartered Accountancy firm also suggested the Managing Committee to 

dispose off precious stones valued at Rs.2,00,79,164 (Rs 2 crore) by conducting public auction, 

at regular intervals to augment its revenue.

During the year 2009-10,

the Sai Baba Temple received donations of 147.10 grams Gold valued at Rs.2,44,888 (Rs 2.448 lakh)

and Silver weighing 4508 grams whose present cost at the end of fiscal year 2009-10 was Rs.1,02,640 (Rs 1.026 lakh).

An interesting point mentioned in the report is that unlike many civic bodies, 

the Trust has accepted and implemented the Sixth Pay Commission Report for its Employees.

Also, it says that the Temple transactions on a daily basis closes at 2 pm in the afternoon. 

Cash received later on is included in the next day's collection.

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