A century-old Durga temple in Ranchi has started a crowd-funding drive to raise money for the construction of its dome.

Popularly known as Devi Mandap, the temple has announced that it will recognise the generosity of its donors with plaques on the proposed dome.

Under the new drive launched in the last week of July, devotees donating a minimum of Rs 5,100 will have their names engraved on the dome, which is under construction, while those donating Rs 21,000 will be recognised on a plaque.

The 126-year-old temple, located at Kishoreganj on Harmu Bypass in the heart of the city, has displayed a banner in this regard. " Mandap mein gumbaj ka nirman kiya ja raha hai. Isme jo bhi data Rs 5,100 ka sahyog dete hain to unka naam gumbaj ke shila path mein likha jayega. Is punit karya mein sahyog dekar punya ke bhagi bane (The temple is constructing its dome. Whoever will donate Rs 5,100 will be recognised on a plaque on the dome. Be a part of this noble drive to get salvation)," read the banner that also carried the picture of the proposed dome.

Priest Anant Lal Pathak, who claimed to have been performing puja in the temple since 1966, said the idea of raising funds was initiated by Kanhaiya Lal Gupta, a resident of the neighbourhood and also a member of the temple management.

Contacted Gupta, who runs a small general store in front of the temple, said the step was taken to attract donors for the construction of the temple dome. "Several people want to give donation for religious purpose in honour or memory of their loved ones. The temple management has given them opportunity to donate. Those donating Rs 5,100 will have their names engraved and those donating Rs 21,000 will be recognised on a 1.5ft-wide and 2ft-long plaque," he said.

Gupta said so far seven people had contributed but did not reveal the amount. "The budget for construction of the dome is Rs 5 lakh and I hope we will be able to collect the amount easily," he added.

Gupta said that the dome would be a replica of the Parvati temple dome in Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. "It will be 15ft-high and on top of it there will be a 6ft-high trident (trishul)," he said.

Rajendra Singh, a neighbourhood resident, said the temple was of historical importance. "A member of the royal family Lal Gandharva Nath Shahdeo had donated land for the temple before Independence. Earlier, the temple was very small and regarded as the temple of Gram Devi. It developed gradually over the years with the help of public support. Now, it is a triple-storey temple. Durga Puja is organised in the temple every year," he said.