Durgamma Temple Introduces ATM-Style Laddu Vending Machine

The Endowments Department has introduced an ATM-style automatic laddu vending machine on a pilot basis at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Vijayawada. Endowments Commissioner Ramachandra Mohan, along with temple board chairman Radhakrishna and Executive Officer Sheena Naik, inaugurated the machine set up at the Central Information Centre premises at a cost of ₹6 lakh. Devotees can scan a QR code using their mobile phones and purchase the required number of laddu boxes without assistance. Officials said the pilot project will be reviewed before similar machines are introduced at other major temples.

The temple authorities also counted the offerings deposited in the hundis over a period of 14 days. According to officials, the temple received ₹2,08,91,285 in cash, along with 203 grams of gold and 2.674 kg of silver. The offerings also included 192 US dollars, 400 UAE dirhams, 80 British pounds, 115 Canadian dollars, 20 Australian dollars and 151 Saudi riyals. The counting process was conducted under the supervision of Executive Officer Sheena Naik and Assistant Commissioner Rangarao.