Hidden in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple stands as a testament to faith and devotion. Nestled in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level, it holds the distinction of being the remotest Hindu pilgrimage spot in the revered Char Dham Yatra, which also encompasses Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath. The temple opened its doors to the public on April 25, 2023, after its annual 6-month winter hiatus.
While the Kedarnath Temple bears the weight of a rich history spanning over 1,200 years, it has gracefully embraced the advancements of the modern era. Bringing faith and technology together, the spiritual sanctuary partnered with Paytm revolutionising the way donations are made, offering unparalleled convenience to its devoted visitors.
Paytm’s role in digital donations
Devotees can make their offerings to the Kedarnath Temple in seconds using the advanced Paytm UPI, Paytm UPI LITE, Paytm Postpaid and more. Visitors can also scan the QR code at the temple’s doors or may even donate remotely by accessing the ‘Devotion Section’ on the Paytm Super app!
Here are some interesting stats – The esteemed temple witnessed an unprecedented surge in footfall, transcending all previous records. Nearly 35 lakh pilgrims from India and overseas visited the temple last year, breaking all records. 10,00,021 pilgrims visited the revered shrine in 2019. In 2020, the number increased to 1,34,881, nearly doubling to 2,42,712 in 2021.
In addition to the surge in pilgrim numbers, the temple’s divine purpose was furthered by the overwhelming generosity of devotees. In 2022, donations touched an all-time high of Rs. 60 crores, up from Rs. 44 crores in 2019.
Planning to visit Kedarnath this year? Simplify your offerings with Paytm – donate in just a few clicks. Download the app today!
How is Paytm streamlining charitable giving?
Paytm envisions financial inclusion for half a billion Indians with technology-first financial services and products. The fintech company has its sights on two more legs of the Char Dham Yatra, Yamunotri and Gangotri, having already introduced the convenience of digital payments in Badrinath and Kedarnath. But it does not just stop here.
Over 120 social causes are listed on Paytm’s helping hand page, lending convenience to both individuals making donations and institutions that rely on donations. These include various CM’s relief funds, organisations like CRY – Child Rights and You, and miscellaneous others like Partition Museum India and Oxygen For India.
NGOs and other social welfare organisations, and businesses can accept donations using the Paytm Payment Gateway. In fact, CRY – Child Rights and You saw a 30% increase in online donations after getting the Paytm Payment Gateway. Other alternatives include:
- Paytm Payment Links that help to accept international donations.
- Paytm Subscriptions, which are especially useful to donors who make monthly payments. The service comes with an auto-debit facility.
Conclusion
In this digital age, devotees can now make their offerings with a mere touch of their fingertips. Through the Paytm app, pilgrims can effortlessly and securely contribute funds towards the temple’s maintenance and development. This transformative endeavour ensures that geographical constraints do not hinder the spirit of generosity. Additionally, the Kedarnath Temple integrating technological convenience serves as a reminder that progress can coexist harmoniously with tradition and faith.