Basar: an unprecedented turnout of devotees at the temple town of Basar in Adilabad district saw the temple treasury swell considerably. This being the last public holiday before the schools reopen on June 12, there was heavy rush for ‘aksharabhyasam’ during the day at the famous Gnana Saraswati temple.

The day’s income from sale of aksharabhyasam tickets, prasadam and special darshan tickets came up to Rs. 6.10 lakh which is unusual for this time of the year. The shopkeepers selling puja materials also had brisk business.

According to temple officials, the routine started with ‘palabhishekam’ as early as 4 a.m. for which 165 tickets were sold.