Ordinary devotees will be provided more time and the number of VIPs and people accompanying them reduced to the minimum, during the Chandanostavam of Sri Varahalakshmi Nrusimha Swamy atop Simhachalam on May 9, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said on Monday.
The VIPs were found to be a reason for complaints from the ordinary devotees as they were forced to wait in the queue lines for a long period. This time this problem would be minimised as darshan according to protocol would be arranged during a specific time and the number of VIPs also reduced, he said.
1.70 lakhs expectedSince the number of devotees visiting the temple was likely to increase this year to around 1.70 lakhs from 1.25 lakhs last year, arrangements for them would be made to ensure a comfortable darshan. The physically challenged would have a separate time for darshan.
The queue arrangements for the ordinary devotees would be increased substantially and shade provided over 60 per cent more area compared to last year. Shamianas would be erected at the foothill area also. The darshan commences at 4 a.m. The VIPs have to reach the temple from the foothill in the cars provided by the Devasthanam.
Holders of Rs.10,000 tickets would be taken by air-conditioned bus to the temple from the foothill and Rs.1,000 ticket holders would be allowed for darshan for one hour during morning, afternoon and evening.
Medical facilitiesMr. Srinivasa Rao held a review meeting with Collector N. Yuvaraj, Commissioner of Police Amit Garg, Executive Officer of Simhachalam Devasthanam K. Ramachandra Mohan and other officials on the arrangements.
The Health Department has been told to arrange medical stalls and ambulances with the help of local corporate hospitals as was done during the International Fleet Review two months ago. Devotees would be provided drinking water and buttermilk and interested NGOs can contact the EO of the temple.
