The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has decided to introduce online bookings for several facilities, including paid darshans, donations, and special events at Mangadu and Parthasarathy temples. Officials stated that both temples attract 7,000 to 8,000 visitors on weekends, with a significant number opting for paid darshans.
Batch-Based Darshan System
“The slots will have a batch-based darshan system. This will streamline bookings and reduce crowding at the paid darshan counter. Physical bookings will continue until people fully transition to online,” an official explained, adding that it will also eliminate local-level overcharging.
Priority for Special Categories
The portal will include categories for senior citizens, parents carrying infants, and persons with disabilities, granting them priority in slots. The official noted that evening crowds can be managed through specific slot-based bookings. The online system will be implemented via the central government’s NSIC technical services portal.
“HR&CE details involve sensitive information on idols, and we avoid third-party operators to prevent data theft or breaches, which could have serious repercussions,” the official said.
Future Expansion
In the second phase, the department aims to introduce slot-based bookings even for free darshans. “Currently, people walk in freely, but if online bookings work well for these two temples, we will expand to a token-based system for free darshans as well. The minister’s directive is to digitize bookings as much as possible and eliminate physical work,” he added.
Looking ahead, the HR&CE department plans to introduce a WhatsApp-based ticketing system, similar to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) model.
