Solution:

146900



Explanation:

Whenever you face such type of questions, it is wise to begin from the last thing. Here in this question the last thing will be the 9th temple. He climbed down 100 steps and thus you know, he had Rs. 100 before beginning climbing down. Thus, he must have offered Rs. 100 to the god in that temple too (he offered half of the total amount). Also, he must have dropped Rs. 100 while climbing the steps of the ninth temple. This means that he had Rs. 300 before he begand climbing the steps of the ninth temple.



Now, we will calculate in the similar manner for each of the temples backwards.

Before the devotee climbed the eight temple: (300+100)*2 + 100 = 900

Before the devotee climbed the seventh temple: (900+100)*2 + 100 = 2100

Before the devotee climbed the Sixth temple: (2100+100)*2 + 100 = 4300

Before the devotee climbed the fifth temple: (4300+100)*2 + 100 = 8900

Before the devotee climbed the fourth temple: (8900+100)*2 + 100 = 18100

Before the devotee climbed the third temple: (18100+100)*2 + 100 = 36,500

Before the devotee climbed the second temple: (36500+100)*2 + 100 = 73300

Before the devotee climbed the first temple: (73300+100)*2 + 100 = 146900



Therefore, the devotee had Rs. 146900 with him initially.