In a significant move to streamline the massive influx of devotees, the administration of the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram will introduce a barcode-enabled pass system for the upcoming Lakshadeepam ritual. This decision, aimed at curbing the circulation of counterfeit passes witnessed last year, was finalized at a high-level review meeting chaired by General Education Minister V Sivankutty at the Secretariat Durbar Hall.
Aadhaar-Based Online Booking for 15,000 Devotees
The temple trust officials announced that a total of 15,000 passes will be issued for the event. Devotees wishing to attend must book their passes online by logging in with their Aadhaar number. This direct linkage is expected to eliminate fraud and ensure a verified list of attendees. Upon arrival, devotees will need to present a copy of the pass along with their original Aadhaar card to gain entry through specially designated routes.
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management Measures
Minister V Sivankutty directed officials from various departments to enforce strict security, crowd control, and law-and-order protocols. The goal is to ensure that all devotees can witness the sacred rituals without any hassle or inconvenience. The government has assured that all necessary facilities, including lighting and parking arrangements in the temple's vicinity, will be put in place. Temple authorities have also requested the deployment of additional police personnel to manage the expected crowds.
Schedule and Ritual Details
The Lakshadeepam is a rare ceremony held only once every six years. For the 2024 event, devotees will be allowed entry into the temple premises from 5 PM on January 14. The rituals are scheduled to commence at 8 PM, with the main events being the Sreeveli darshan and the deeparadhana. To facilitate the smooth conduct of the event, the government is considering declaring a local holiday in the area after noon on Lakshadeepam day.
This new digital pass system represents a modern approach to managing heritage events, balancing devotional fervor with essential safety and organizational needs for one of Kerala's most iconic temples.
