Tirupati: For devotees visiting the Srikalahasteeswara Swamy temple in Srikalahasti town, booking a darshan ticket may soon become as simple as sending a WhatsApp message or scanning a QR code.
In a move to reduce queues and improve access to services, the temple is preparing to adopt a fully digital and contactless pilgrim service system, gradually replacing physical counters with online platforms, self-service kiosks and the Mana Mitra WhatsApp service.
While many devotees have welcomed the move, others have raised their concern about whether elderly pilgrims and those unfamiliar with digital technology will be able to use the new system easily.
The transition is part of the state endowments department’s initiative to bring temple services online and make them more accessible. The temple has been directed to gradually eliminate physical counters and make kiosks, WhatsApp-based services and online platforms the primary modes for booking darshan tickets, sevas, accommodation, tonsuring and prasadam services.
The temple has also been asked to install additional self-service kiosks and 50 QR-code boards across the temple premises, cottages, choultries and parking areas, enabling devotees to access booking services directly through their mobile phones.
Many devotees welcomed the initiative, saying it could reduce waiting time during peak periods.
“During festival seasons, devotees often spend a lot of time in queues for tickets and other services. If these are made available through WhatsApp and kiosks, it will save time and reduce crowding”, said R Praveen Kumar, a devotee from Tirupati.
Some devotees, however, expressed their concern over the complete shift to digital services. “Young people can easily handle online bookings, but many elderly devotees travel on their own. Some come from villages and may not be familiar with QR codes or digital payments. The temple should make sure assistance is available for them”, said Nagileti Aruna Kumari, a 62-year-old devotee from Naidupeta.
Recognising that some devotees may need help adapting to the new system, the endowments department has directed the temple to operate a single multipurpose assistance counter with trained staff to support elderly pilgrims and those unfamiliar with digital platforms.
“Some devotees may require guidance in using online services. The assistance counter will provide support for bookings, digital payments and other temple services. Printing facilities will also be available at key locations for devotees who need physical copies of tickets booked online”, a temple functionary said.
He said all darshan, seva, tonsuring and prasadam tickets would be digitally validated through QR code or barcode scanning before devotees could avail themselves of the service.
The temple administration has been instructed to strictly implement the scanning mechanism and gradually phase out manual transactions as part of the transition to a fully digital system.
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