Blanket ban on VIP ‘darshan' at KV Temple during Shrawan
kanwariyas
and pilgrims, Kashi Vishwanath Temple authorities have decided to suspend VIP 'darshan' facility and entry of dignitaries with special protocol throughout the month of Shrawan, from Jul 11 to Aug 9.
The entry points too may be reduced from six to five if the Ganga floods the ghat steps used for reaching Ganga Dwar.
Speaking to TOI on Sunday, divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam said all arrangements for crowd regulation and facilitation of pilgrims and kanwariyas had been finalised. "Considering possibility of heavy crowding, as witnessed during Shrawan months in past years and Maha Kumbh this year, it has been decided that there would be no VIP and special protocol 'darshan' facility for the entire month.
Arrangements are being made considering all possible challenges, including the rise in level of the Ganga.
"
Regarding arrangements at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, its administration said kanwariyas and pilgrims will be given entry through Gate-4, Nandu Feria, Silko, Dhundiraj and Saraswati Phatak entry points. Ganga Dwar entry point will also be used, but if Ganga level rises and interconnectivity of ghats ends, entry through Lalita Ghat will be restricted temporarily.
The four Mondays in the Shrawan month will fall on Jul 14, 21, 28, and Aug 4, when the deity will be adorned with special 'shringar'. Jhula Shringar will occur on concluding day of Shrawan on Aug 9. Temple officials have appealed to devotees to join queues for visits and not fall for any touts. Considering last year's huge crowd, the temple trust advised devotees not to join the queue on an empty stomach, as it could affect their health.
The temple also requested them to avoid bringing bags, mobiles, pens, metal items, etc, as these are not allowed inside, so they should leave these items at home or hotel/lodge. Due to the large crowd, free baggage counters at the dham will not be operational.
Medical teams led by doctors will be stationed at five locations for devotees visiting the dham, with two ambulances, including one equipped with advanced life support, also stationed for any emergencies.
Six lost and found centres will be operational on the temple premises, Shankaracharya Chowk, Gate-1 (Ganga Exit Gate), Gate-2 (Saraswati Phatak), Gate-4 (Main Entry Route) and Lalita Ghat to assist people separated from their families in the crowd.
Security personnel and support staff will also be deployed. A centralised public information system and local public address systems will be in place across the dham.
A free e-rickshaw service will be provided from Godowlia to Maidagin for the elderly, disabled and children. Glucose/ORS solutions, light refreshments, biscuits, candies, chocolates, etc, will be distributed periodically for the benefit of elderly and children. Drinking water counters and jaggery will be in adequate supply.
With support of Smart City, digital viewing of Lord Vishwanath's aarti and adornments will be available at various locations in the dham complex and city. As in previous years, online viewing will be available for those unable to visit. Online streaming of the deity's viewings will also be available on the official YouTube channel of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
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