For as long as I can remember, temple donations have been a part of my life. Growing up in a family that values faith, gratitude, and community, I’ve watched my parents lead by example. What started as a childhood observation has now become a personal practice I carry with pride.
Temple donations, or annadanam, kaasu mala, and temple upkeep contributions, are more than just financial transactions. They are acts of devotion, gratitude, and service. They connect us to something larger than ourselves to God, to our community, and to our roots.
Here’s why temple donations matter, and how my family’s journey has shaped my understanding of this beautiful tradition.
A Tradition Rooted in Faith
My family has been donating to temples for generations. It’s not something we do out of obligation, but out of love and reverence. Whether it’s a small contribution to feed the hungry or a larger donation for temple renovations, every rupee given is offered with a pure heart.
One of our most cherished traditions is contributing to Annadanam the sacred practice of offering free meals to devotees. In October 2022, I had been saving up for something I wanted maybe a new gadget, maybe some clothes, I don’t even remember anymore. But when the opportunity came to contribute to the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi, something clicked. I told my parents I wanted to give from what I had saved.
The amount was ₹1,116. It wasn’t huge, but to me, it meant everything.
The Power of Collective Giving
In February 2026, on the holy occasion of Maha Shivaratri, we contributed again to an Annadanam fund. This time, the donation was made in the names of Hari Krishna Dasaraju, Sruthi, and Deshik . The amount, ₹5,116, was sent with a simple prayer: may everyone who receives this food be blessed with health and happiness.
Donations as a Form of Gratitude
In January 2025, we had the privilege of contributing ₹35,000 toward the Kaasu Mala for the Venkatesawara Swamy Temple in Bangalore. The donor, Kiran Poojari, helped facilitate this offering. For those unfamiliar, Kaasu Mala is a traditional offering of coins strung together, often presented to the Lord as a symbol of prosperity and gratitude.
In May 2023, we contributed ₹10,116 toward the annual pooja expenses and new temple donation for a temple in Nandyal, facilitated by Upendra Swamy.
In every donation my family has made whether to the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi, the Venkatesawara Swamy Temple in Bangalore, or the temple in Nandyal I made sure to contribute ₹1,000 from my own pocket money. It’s my small way of participating, of learning the value of giving, and of honoring the traditions my parents have taught me since birth. That ₹1,000 is more than money it’s a piece of my heart, offered with gratitude.
Why I Will Continue This Tradition
As I prepare for the next chapter of my life applying to universities, exploring the world, and building my own future I carry this lesson with me: giving is not about how much you have, but how much you care.
Whether it’s a small amount or a large sum, what matters is the heart behind it. My parents taught me that. The temples taught me that. And now, as I make my own contributions.
Deshik Dasaraju 
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