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Sri Mandir keeps investors hooked as digital devotion grows

AppsForBharat's Sri Mandir app raised $20 million, reflecting the growing trend of digital devotion in India. The app supports Hindu rituals online, boasting over 40 million downloads and significant revenue from the Indian diaspora. As religious tech thrives, Sri Mandir aims to enhance services with AI and expand its temple partnerships to boost local economies while targeting profitability by 2027-28.

Key points

  • AppsForBharat raised $20 million in Series C funding, led by Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital.
  • Sri Mandir app has over 40 million downloads and generates significant revenue from the Indian diaspora.
  • The Hindu temple economy is valued at ₹3.02 trillion, indicating a strong market for devotional services.
  • Sri Mandir facilitates online prayers for 1.2 million devotees at over 70 temples, with 3.5 million monthly active users.
  • The app's broader usage shows higher revenues from international users compared to those in India.
  • The Hindu devotion app market in India grew rapidly, with 60% growth in monthly users for top apps in the first half of 2025, despite some competition loss for Sri Mandir.
  • Future plans include expanding to physical facilities in temple towns, logistics for offerings, and introducing AI features for enhanced user experience.

Why it matters

  • The growth of religious tech in India is linked to increased internet penetration and e-commerce in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
  • The significant funding and user engagement trends indicate a shift toward digital platforms for religious practices.
  • Sri Mandir's strategy reflects broader trends in 2025 where digital solutions increasingly replace traditional, offline methods.

Sri Mandir's success illustrates the intersection of faith and technology in India, positioning it well in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The app's growth and plans for expansion reflect ongoing trends in religious digitalization and economic opportunities in the tech sector.