Spot booking, snacks and rest facilities in Guruvayur: High Court direction to avoid suffering of devotees

KOCHI: The High Court has directed that the darshan facility at the Guruvayur temple should be drastically improved to avoid the suffering of devotees.

Spot booking should be considered for everyone who comes for darshan to avoid the misery of waiting for hours. Based on this, groups of 300-500 people starting from A, B, C should be divided and the approximate time of darshan should be informed. Drinking water, seating, snacks and a resting place should be ensured for everyone. Aadhaar and election identity card should be made mandatory for spot booking. The Devaswom Board was asked to prevent misbehaviour of employees and provide them with regular training. It should be ensured that the darshan is pleasant. Separate entry and exit points are required to facilitate the movement of devotees. Priority should be given to the elderly, differently-abled, lactating mothers and pregnant women in the queue. An air-conditioned rest hall should also be considered for them. A mobile app and digital display system should be prepared to inform the details about the opening of the temple and puja times in real time. Online booking should be considered for two days a week for the convenience of those from far away.

The Devaswom bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar directed the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee to prepare a detailed action plan within two months. A high-level committee was also appointed to coordinate the departments. The high-level committee members are the Devaswom Managing Committee Chairman, Member, Thrissur Collector, District Police Chief, Guruvayur Municipality Secretary, Suchitva Mission District Coordinator, Pollution Control Board Environment Engineer and District Medical Officer.

The order has disposed of the petitions filed by P.V. Radhakrishnan, Lekha Suresh and others, citing the difficulties faced during the Guruvayur darshan and demanding consideration of the virtual queue.

How many people can have darshan?

A scientific study should be conducted on the number of people who can safely fit in the temple on normal days and festival days. Daily admission should be based on that. Increasing the darshan time should be decided in consultation with the Tantris.

The total darshan time is currently 14-15 hours. Darshan is from 3 am to 2:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 9 pm. Darshan will be prohibited during puja times.