Only 2-hr darshan for VIPs

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, May 12, 2013: After learning some hard lessons last time, the Simhachalam temple authorities seem to have now restricted special darshans to VIPs and VVIPs for only one hour, in the morning, and one more hour in the evening, giving scope for regular, general devotees during  the annual Chandanotsavam, to be held on Monday.

During the Chandanotsavam, devotees will have an opportunity to see the actual form of presiding deity, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, which is normally covered with sandalwood paste all through the year.

The Chandanotsavam is considered an important annual ritual and lakhs of devotees, from the three districts of north Andhra, and far away districts in Odisha , throng to the temple. The last time due to poor arrangements there were stampedes and several devotees were allegedly suffocated. Most of them were waiting for over 18 hours and could not have the Nijaroopa darshan of the presiding deity.

The then executive officer, of the temple, Narasinga Rao, immediately surrendered to the revenue department and  action was taken by the state government for the lapses.
It was on Akshaya Tritiya day, in Vaisakha month, that the sandalwood paste on the presiding deity will be removed in the morning.

After conducting special rituals and performing pujas, the true form of the deity will be kept for darshan, for 12 hours. This time VIPs like MLAs, MPs and other senior officials will be allowed for darshan between 4:30 and 5:30 am and 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Other VIP ticket holders will be allowed from 6.00 am to 8.00 am and 12.00 noon to 2.00pm. The Rs 500 and Rs 200 ticket holders can have darshan from 4.00 am to 9.00pm.