By Brij Khandelwal
It’s not just the spirits that generate huge revenue. Spirituality too is a big money spinner!
2025.09.04 (Vrindavan Today News): As hordes of white humans head for Rishikesh, Kashi or Mysore, for spiritual delights or Nirvana, the national coffers overflow with filthy lucre in exchange for soft power. Over the decades the spirituality industry of India, comprising yoga gurus, katha vachaka, preachers and an ever expanding network of religious shrines and pilgrim circuits, has turned into a trillion rupees parallel economy that employs more people.
Indeed, one of the nation’s most ancient, resilient, and staggeringly profitable industries continues to operate in the shadows of formal economic planning: the vast and vibrant spiritual economy. From the silent serenity of Himalayan monasteries to the electrifying chaos of the Kumbh Mela, faith in India isn’t just a matter of the soul; it’s a multi-billion dollar enterprise driving livelihoods, building infrastructure, and presenting a unique opportunity for sustainable, community-rooted growth.
The numbers are nothing short of divine. The India religious and spiritual market was valued at a colossal USD 65 billion in 2024 and is projected to more than double, reaching a staggering USD 135.1 billion by 2033, growing at a robust CAGR of 10.2%. To put this in perspective, a single event—the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela—generated an economic impact of several lakh crore rupees, showcasing a scale that rivals major international sporting events and expos.
The spiritual economy is a complex web far beyond temple donations. It is the very lifeblood of tier-2 and tier-3 towns. Every year, millions of pilgrims, both domestic and international, journey to sacred sites like Tirupati, Vaishno Devi, the Golden Temple, and Ajmer Sharif. In their wake, they sustain a vast ecosystem: hoteliers, transport operators, local guides, flower sellers, artisans crafting idols and incense, and food vendors.
The financial devotions are profound. Major temples are economic powerhouses in their own right. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams receives an estimated ₹650 crore annually in donations alone, alongside selling ₹75 crore worth of famed ‘laddus’. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board collects around ₹500 crore annually. The wealth is not just liquid; it’s golden. Temples like Tirupati receive over 130 kg of gold donations each year, while Shirdi’s Saibaba temple receives a breathtaking 380 kg.
Collectively, it is estimated that the ‘temple economy’ alone contributes approximately 2.32% to India’s GDP and supports a staggering 8 crore jobs. A single small temple, as surveys note, supports at least 25 individuals, from priests to decorators and vendors.
The industry is not stuck in the past; it is rapidly digitalizing. The rise of apps for meditation, astrology, and online puja services has created a new revenue stream, with online sales now accounting for 18% of the market. Quick-commerce platforms deliver puja kits to doorsteps, and digital donations are becoming the norm.
Globally, wellness and spirituality are billion-dollar industries, and India is the natural brand leader. Practices like yoga and Ayurveda, intrinsically linked to its spiritual heritage, attract foreigners who spend significantly more than the average tourist. With strategic policy support, meticulously developed pilgrimage circuits—such as the Ramayana Trail, the Buddhist Circuit, and the Sufi Trail, positioning India unequivocally as the “Spiritual Capital of the World.”
The value of this sector extends beyond hard currency. It is a formidable source of soft power, exporting Indian culture, philosophy, and heritage through Vedic chants, classical music, and mindfulness practices. It promotes mental well-being, community harmony, and preserves ancient traditions that are a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.
Despite its magnitude, the sector remains fragmented and often overlooked in high-level economic discourse. Challenges such as complex import-export regulations for religious items, a lack of standardized infrastructure, and the inherent need to navigate diverse religious sensitivities have hindered its organized growth.
Government initiatives like the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme are steps in the right direction, aiming to enhance infrastructure, accessibility, and the overall experience at pilgrimage sites. The development of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor is a prime example of how investment in spiritual infrastructure can revitalize an entire city’s economy.
For too long, religion has been viewed primarily through the lens of politics and sociology. It is high time it is recognized for what it also is: a formidable economic engine.
By crafting a coherent national policy that streamlines regulations, invests in world-class infrastructure around spiritual hubs, and proactively markets India’s unique spiritual brand to the world, the government can unlock the full potential of this untapped goldmine.
