Even as poverty continues to prevail in Indian society, the navratra and dushehra festivals remain an event for the rich to display their wealth. Case in point is the idol of Sri Kanyakaparameswari in a temple located near Kurupam market in the old city area in Vishakhapatnam.
The speciality of this idol is that it has been decorated with currency notes in the denominations of Re. 1 to Rs. 1,000. And the value of these notes? The money is worth Rs. 2.5 crore. Additionally, the idol is also decorated with gold ornaments and gold biscuits to the tune of Rs. 1.5 crore. These decorations have been to honour the Sri Mahalakshmi Avatram’ of the goddess as part of the ongoing ‘Navaratri’ or durga puja celebrations.
This money has been contributed by as many as 250 devotees as they believe that the money would improve their business.