Curbing ticket misuse, resale

Mysuru: Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority has launched an upgraded website and web-based application to streamline bookings for Abhisheka and other temple services at Chamundi Hill temple.

Henceforth, all bookings for temple services and special darshan must be made online https://srichamundeshwaridevi.in/. The temple will discontinue the existing system of issuing tickets at counters.

To prevent misuse and streamline temple services, the Authority has introduced a new website, which also provides information on darshan timings, temple services, schedules, festivals and the history of Chamundi Hill.

The ticket for performing Abhisheka to Goddess Chamundeshwari has been fixed at Rs. 1,000, while special darshan tickets are priced at Rs. 200 and Rs. 50.

Until now, special darshan tickets were available at the temple counter. However, from Nov. 1, devotees can obtain them only through online booking.

KYC mandatory

Only one Abhisheka ticket will be issued per person, allowing entry for two people. KYC verification has been made mandatory to prevent misuse and devotees must carry their Aadhaar cards.

Devotees holding Abhisheka’tickets will be allowed entry only through Gate No. 2 during designated timings of 6.30 am to 9 am and 7.30 pm to 9 pm every day.

The new system allows devotees to select their preferred time slots while booking. Those opting for free darshan or special darshan can choose their arrival time and reserve a slot online.

Under free darshan, 250 devotees per hour will be allowed temple access between 6 am and 9 pm. Those purchasing tickets priced at Rs. 30, Rs. 200 or Rs. 1,000 can also select a time.

The website will facilitate bookings for various temple services while making reservations.

 VVIP darshan slots

The Authority is also considering introducing a slot-based system for VVIP darshan. A provision is being planned on the website for this purpose. VVIP visitors may also be required to furnish details through a designated phone number before their visit.

The temple administration has further decided to regulate the number of special darshan tickets issued each day. Initially, the daily quota will be 200, with scope for an increase during special occasions and festivals.

To curb ticket racket

Until now, some individuals were reportedly purchasing five to six Abhisheka tickets every day and reselling them at inflated prices to affluent devotees seeking special entry to the temple. After the devotees completed their darshan, the middlemen would collect the tickets and pass them on to others for reuse.

The same tickets were thus circulated among several devotees same day, allowing the middlemen to make money repeatedly.

A ticket bought for Rs. 1,000 in the morning could reportedly fetch more than Rs. 10,000 by evening through repeated transactions. What began as a way to exploit ticketing system had turned into a regular business.

System on the lines of Shirdi

On the lines of Shirdi temple, tickets for various services at Chamundi Hill temple are issued exclusively through https://srichamundeshwaridevi.in/ since Nov. 1. This will allow devotees to avail themselves of special darshan at their allotted time, prevent misuse and make the process convenient.                     

— M.J. Roopa, Secretary,  

Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority