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The Ayodhya temple inauguration is just around the corner, and spiritual tech startups are gearing up to cater to devotees. With the potential for a significant boost in their businesses, startups in the spiritual tech sector are leaving no stone unturned to find the right models and products.
One such startup is VAMA, which offers online poojas, e-darshans, and astrology services. According to cofounder Manu Jain, the consecration ceremony on January 22 is the single biggest event for the spiritual tech sector in the country.
AppsForBharat’s Sri Mandir app is another startup that is capitalizing on this opportunity. The app allows users to make offerings in the temple from the comfort of their homes. It provides a virtual temple experience, enabling devotees to perform pooja, light diyas, and offer flowers virtually. With over 50 temple collaborations across the country, the app has gained popularity among users.
The surge in India’s spiritual tech sector can be attributed to various factors such as UPI, affordable internet, increasing smartphone access, and the unwavering faith of the people. Startups like Sri Mandir, TempleConnect, Guruji, AstroBuddy, and AstroTalk have witnessed significant growth in popularity and business stature over the past decade.
Astrotalk, for example, reported a profit of INR 27 Cr in FY23 against a revenue of INR 282 Cr. With the Indian faith market standing at a staggering $58.56 Bn as of 2023, experts believe that spiritual tech startups have the potential to capture a 10% share in India’s religious economy.
The opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by Indian startup founders to deepen their footprint in the country’s devotional and spiritual realm. According to Nripendra Mishra, chairperson of the Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee, the inauguration of the temple will lead to an economic surge in Ayodhya and transform the city, similar to the National Capital Region (NCR).
Taking advantage of this devotional wave, spiritual tech startups are well-prepared to make the most of the upcoming event. AppsForBharat’s Sri Mandir app plans to illuminate Ayodhya with more than 1 Lakh diyas from January 18 to January 24. They have received an overwhelming response from devotees, with 37,000 orders already placed, and the number is expected to increase further.
Additionally, VAMA has announced two offerings centered around Ayodhya – interactive virtual kathas and an immersive temple experience. The virtual kathas aim to enhance interactivity, while the immersive temple experience provides a 360-degree view, allowing users to perform virtual arti, puja, and darshan. VAMA has also partnered with Sadhna TV to create engaging content and offer exclusive consultations with renowned celebrity astrologers.
Industry experts believe that the Uttar Pradesh government’s investment in technology and infrastructure in Ayodhya will provide convenience to devotees and ensure a seamless experience offered by spiritual tech startups. With technological advancements, such as AI-driven technology and enhanced CCTV prevalence, Ayodhya is well-prepared to cater to the needs of devotees.
As Ayodhya becomes a major focal point for spiritual tourism, spiritual tech startups are leveraging this opportunity to establish new revenue streams, maximize profits, and attract investor capital. They are reshaping the way people engage with their faith, access religious content, and connect with spiritual communities.
The temple inauguration in Ayodhya marks a significant milestone for spiritual tech startups in India, propelling them to new heights in the devotional and spiritual realm. With their innovative offerings and technological advancements, these startups are well-positioned to cater to the needs of devotees and tap into India’s burgeoning religious economy.
