THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new management of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has introduced a hassle-free darshan facility for the physically-challenged and elderly persons.
Temple executive officer K N Satheesh said the facility was modelled on a similar arrangement in major temples such as the Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur.
The special darshan facility is available in the evenings. Physically challenged and elderly devotees who arrive between 5 pm and 5.30 pm at the temple will be allowed through the North nada.
“The facility, which was started early this week, has evoked good response,” the officials said.
“Though the temple security guards were asked to consider allowing such devotees throughout the darshan timings, it was found impractical during rush hours,” the officials said.
Works to Begin Soon
The new management is making arrangements for the development works directed by the Supreme Court. Cleaning of the Padmatheertham and Mithranandapuram ponds, the first priority, would be assigned with a government agency or by inviting tenders.
The works in the ponds would be executed separately so that one pond would be available for the priests to conduct their daily ablutions. Removing bat droppings on the roof inside the ‘nalambalam’ and the corridors of the ‘gopuram’ would begin in a week. The other project is to provide accommodation to state police personnel at the Anandapadmanabha Nilayam lodging. The management had dismissed the contract with a private party and the building was vacated recently. “It will be available for the cops after repair works,” officials said.