Vaikunta Ekadasi: Strict measures in place at Srirangam temple

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Trichy:05.12.2020

The Trichy district administration has suggested the Srirangam Arulmigu Ranganathaswamy Temple administration opt for token system and online booking to allow darshan for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival scheduled from December 14. With Covid-19 still active in the region, restrictions such as physical distancing and promoting edarshan through live streaming were suggested.

District collector S Sivarasu, on Thursday, conducted a review meeting involving all the stakeholders. The temple management was instructed to print passes in different colours, each allowing darshan for a one-hour time slot. The pass system is intended to minimise the footfall of devotees. Devotees will not be allowed inside the temple after 8pm.

Directions to apply online for reserving passes will be publicised by the temple management a week before the festival. Senior citizens aged above 65 years and those with comorbidities will not be allowed. The temple management has been instructed to facilitate shelters with seating arrangements outside the temple for devotees waiting for their turns. “People without face masks will not be allowed inside the temple and screening and hand sanitisation are must at the entrance. Floors and temple corridors will be frequently sanitised,” an official said.

HR&CE officials said, this year the 22 day-long annual festival will conclude on January 4, 2021, with Nammalvar Motcham. The most auspicious event involving the opening of Paramapathavasal gates will be held in the early hours of December 25.