Free Sparsha Darshan to resume at Srisailam temple from July 1

In a major decision that would benefit the common devotees, the Srisailam temple authorities will recommence the free Sparsha Darshan facility for the devotees from July 1.

Srisailam temple Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao said the free Sparsha Darshan facility would be available for two hours— 1.45 p.m. to 3.45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

As part of the facility, devotees will have the experience of touching Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.

To ensure transparency and accountability in facilitating the free Sparsha Darshan, tokens will be issued to devotees. These tokens will be issued on the same day of darshan. The computerised tokens will have the name of the devotee, Aadhaar card details and phone number. The tokens will be scanned at the entrance of the free darshan queue line.

“Every day, 1,000 to 1,200 tokens would be issued depending on the devotee rush. Only those in possession of the tokens will be allowed for free Sparsha Darshan. During the free Sparsha Darshan, the ₹300 and ₹150 Aankara Darshan ticket counters and queue lines will be stopped,” said Mr. Srinivasa Rao.

Dress code

Devotees who wish to avail of Sparsha Darshan are required to wear traditional attire— white pancha (Dhoti) and kanduva (scarf) for men and sari or salwar kameez with chunni for women.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the free Sparsha Darshan facility would not be available during the Mahasivaratri, Ugadi and Dasara festivities, and Sravana and Karthika months, and on government holidays in view of the heavy rush.

“If there is an unprecedented and sudden rush of devotees, free Sparsha Darshan will not be allowed,” he added.