Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Dec 31 (PTI): Despite many curbs induced by the COVID-19 pandemic in year 2021, the ancient hill-shrine of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala, near here, saw over 10 million devotees from across the country and abroad visiting the abode of the Lord, a temple official said.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Youth Hacks Uncle To Death For Preventing Him From Talking to Aunt, Arrested.

During the pre-pandemic days till 2019, about 25 million devotees used to throng the over two millennia-old shrine. After the coronavirus struck, the rush has considerably come down, the official told PTI.

Also Read | Income Tax Returns Filing For 2020-21: There’s No Proposal to Extend ITR Deadline, Says Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj.

In 2021, the hundi (offering box) netted a total cash of about Rs. 833 crore apart from gold and other precious offerings while the temple fetched Rs 300 crore through sale of laddus, he said, adding that 48.75 lakh devotees got tonsured after fulfilment of vows.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)