Devotees asked not to carry mobile phones, electronic gadgets on ‘Chandanotsavam’

Visakhapatnam: Simhachalam Devasthanam Executive Officer J. Venkata Rao appealed to devotees not to carry mobile phones or any electronic gadgets while visiting the temple to avail the ‘Nijarupa Darshan’ of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple on April 20.

Speaking to the media in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, the EO said, “Special focus is on ensuring hassle-free darshan for common devotees arriving for Chandanotsavam. As part of this, VVIP and VIP darshan ticket allocation has been reduced significantly. This will allow ‘Nijarupa Darshan’ for a larger number of common devotees.”

While online ticket sales for Chandanotsavam commenced on Sunday, the EO said that offline tickets will be available starting April 13 at designated banks.

Time slots have also been dedicated for protocol darshan and they will be strictly followed, cautioned the EO, adding that those who arrive outside their time slot must join the normal queue. With the support of volunteers, refreshments will be provided to those waiting in the queue lines. Also, vehicle movement uphill is restricted to ease traffic congestion and devotees can use the free buses deployed for the purpose, the EO stated. Considering lapses experienced in previous editions, Venkata Rao informed that detailed arrangements are in place for the ensuing Chandanotsavam.