Odisha CM launches Samarpan digital hundi for Jagannath Temple donations
Synopsis
On the eve of Rath Yatra, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched Samarpan — a digital hundi that lets devotees worldwide donate to the Jagannath Temple from Re 1, via UPI or WhatsApp, with instant digital receipts and income tax benefits. It is the first such integrated platform for one of India's most prominent temples.
Key Takeaways
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Samarpan digital hundi platform on 15 July 2025 , on the eve of Rath Yatra .
The platform enables global devotees to donate to the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri via UPI, internet banking, debit/credit cards, and WhatsApp .
Donations start from as little as Re 1 , with no upper limit.
Contributors to the Repair and Renovation Fund and Corpus Fund can claim income tax benefits using PAN details.
Developed jointly by OCAC and SJTA , the platform also offers temple information, daily rituals, and Bhakta Nivas accommodation booking.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, 15 July launched Samarpan, a secure digital hundi platform that allows devotees of Lord Jagannath across the world to make online offerings to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The platform was unveiled at the office of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on the eve of the annual Rath Yatra, which begins on Thursday.
How the Platform Was Built
Samarpan has been jointly developed by the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), operating under the state's Electronics and Information Technology Department, and the SJTA. The platform has been integrated with the official SJTA portal, according to an official statement, ensuring that all transactions are completed with full security and transparency. A dedicated web portal and a mobile application have both been developed as part of the initiative.
Key Features for Devotees
Devotees can log in using their mobile number and a one-time password (OTP) and donate through multiple payment options — including UPI, internet banking, debit and credit cards, and WhatsApp. A digital receipt is generated instantly upon every successful transaction. There is no minimum or maximum donation limit; contributions starting from as little as Re 1 are accepted.
Donors contributing to the temple's Repair and Renovation Fund or Corpus Fund can claim income tax benefits by furnishing their Permanent Account Number (PAN) details. Beyond donations, the mobile application will also provide information on daily rituals, temple announcements, and updates, and will offer accommodation booking at Bhakta Nivas for pilgrims visiting Puri.
What the Chief Minister Said
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Majhi described Samarpan as 'not merely a technology-driven reform' but 'a sacred and transparent bridge that connects the devotion and dedication of millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide with the Shree Jagannath Temple.' He expressed confidence that the initiative would prove to be 'a milestone in preserving the rich traditions of Lord Jagannath and promoting the holistic development of the Shree Jagannath Temple.' Majhi added that donations received through the platform would be utilised for the temple's development and maintenance.
Dignitaries Present at the Launch
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Puri MP Sambit Patra, and several other dignitaries attended the launch event at the SJTA office in Puri.
Significance and What Comes Next
The launch marks a notable convergence of religious tradition and digital governance, timed deliberately with the Rath Yatra — one of the largest religious gatherings in India. The initiative reflects the Odisha government's stated commitment to people-centric, transparent governance. With lakhs of Jagannath devotees spread across India and abroad, Samarpan is positioned to significantly expand the temple's donor base while providing an auditable, digital record of all contributions.
Point of View
But the real measure of its success will be adoption — not launch optics. Jagannath Temple draws millions of devotees globally, yet temple trusts across India have historically struggled to convert digital infrastructure into sustained donor engagement. The income tax benefit provision for the Corpus Fund is a smart pull mechanism, but only if PAN-linked receipts are accepted without friction by tax authorities. Timed to Rath Yatra, the launch maximises visibility; the harder task is ensuring the platform holds up under the traffic that a major festival inevitably brings.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Samarpan digital hundi for Jagannath Temple?
Samarpan is a secure online donation platform launched on 15 July 2025 by the Odisha government, allowing devotees worldwide to make offerings to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. It accepts payments via UPI, internet banking, debit and credit cards, and WhatsApp, with no minimum or maximum donation limit.
Who developed the Samarpan platform?
The platform was jointly developed by the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), under the state's Electronics and Information Technology Department, and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). It has been integrated with the official SJTA portal.
Can donors claim income tax benefits through Samarpan?
Yes. Devotees who donate to the temple's Repair and Renovation Fund or Corpus Fund can avail themselves of income tax benefits by providing their PAN details at the time of donation. A digital receipt is generated instantly for every transaction.
What other features does the Samarpan mobile app offer?
Beyond donations, the Samarpan mobile application provides information on the Jagannath Temple, daily rituals, latest announcements, and updates. It also allows pilgrims to book accommodation at Bhakta Nivas in Puri.
Why was Samarpan launched on 15 July 2025?
The platform was launched on the eve of the annual Rath Yatra, one of India's largest religious gatherings, to maximise reach among the global Jagannath devotee community at a moment of peak religious engagement.
