Source: Entrackr
Bhopal, owing the startup’s first round of institutional funding, spiritual tech startup Durlabh Darshan is ready to raise $2 million. The round will be led by Prime Venture Partners, sources said.
“Prime Venture Partners is in late-stage talks to lead a new funding round in Durlabh Darshan,” said one of the sources, requesting anonymity. “The terms of the deal have been finalised.”
Used Technology to Bring Temples to Homes
Durlabh Darshan was founded by Prashan Kumar Mishra in 2024 and focuses on delivering virtual spiritual experiences with advanced technology. Durlabh Darshan provides darshan (temple visit), in both 3D and 360-degree views, for many famous Hindu temples and rituals. Some of the temples that Durlabh Darshan highlights include Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, and Vaishno Devi in Katra.
The startup offers its services in two ways:
Durlabh Darshan Kendras: physical centres near popular temple towns where individuals can engage in Virtual Reality darshans.
Online darshan services including VR headset sessions and home darshan kits (e.g the opportunity to take part in temple rituals from their home). The cost for such virtual reality darshan experiences and online sessions ranged from Rs 150 to Rs 250.
The startup began with a patented low-cost XR controller for smartphones and that enabled the company to produce low-cost technology-based spiritual content.
Prior Investments and Current Valuation
This is the company’s first formal investment round from a venture capital company. Nevertheless, in 2022, Durlabh Darshan raised Rs 7.45 crore from multiple individual investors, including Saurav Jindal, Deepak Garg, Gaurav Raizada, Jasvir Singh, and Nitesh Gupta. That round was not publicly promoted at the time. After the new investment, As per sources Durlabh Darshan will have a post-money valuation under $10 million.
Increasing Interest in Spiritual Tech
Durlabh Darshan is one of several startups taking advantage of India’s expanding spiritual and astrologically-themed tech ecosystem. According to data from TheKredible, startups like AstroTalk, Vama, Ustav App, DevDham, InstaAstro, and Melooha have raised more than $75 million combined over the last two and a half years.
The sector is also witnessing more M&A activity. For example, BrahmVeda acquired Vedvaani, while Melooha has purchased Munitalks. There have also been media reports that Flipkart is exploring a possible entry into the marketplace by acquiring InstaAstro.
Market and Competitive Landscape
Durlabh Darshan competes with Temple 360, Who VR, and the Pilgrimage Tour App that also offer virtual darshan and temple travel services. Durlabh Darshan and Prime Venture Partners have not responded to media requests yet.
