'Special darshan' for elders in 400+ Karnataka temples

BENGALURU: After the successful rollout of the Shakti scheme, the state government on Wednesday ordered a 'Special Darshan' facility for devotees aged 65 years and above, in all muzrai temples of Karnataka.
Devotees can henceforth avail direct darshan of deities by producing their Aadhaar cards or any other valid age proof at 'A' and 'B' category temples under the muzrai department.
Officials at the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department (Muzrai) told TOI the facility can be availed in more than 400 'A' and 'B' category temples across the state.
Any valid ID bearing age proof will suffice: Min
The facility can be availed in 400-plus temples, including Subrahmanya Temple at Kukke, Mookambika temple at Kollur, Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru, Nanjundeshwara temple at Nanjangud, Mahadeshwara temple at MM Hills, Saundatti Yellamma temple in Belagavi and Banashankari temple, Bull Temple and Gavigangadhareshwara temple in Bengaluru.
Muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy said: "This was a long-pending demand from the Karnataka Archakara, Agamikara and Upadhivantara (priests) Okkuta. Keeping in mind the inconvenience caused to senior citizens, especially those above 65, our government has thought about providing special quick 'darshan' of deities in all temples."
"Visitors need not wait in any regular queue at these temples. They can just show their Aadhaar Cards or any valid ID card bearing proof of age and can avail the special 'darshan' of the deity without any hassle," the minister added.
Welcoming the government's move, KSN Dixit, the president of Okkuta, said: "Our priests have been receiving requests from several senior citizens across Karnataka. We had requested the previous muzrai minister and commissioner as well. Despite our repeated reminders, they did not approve it. We are glad the current government has rolled out the scheme," Dixit added.
The department has also directed the designated temples, subject to availability of space, to reserve separate spaces for senior citizens within the temple premises.