HC directs readying of crowd-management plan at Guruvayur temple

The Kerala High Court has directed the managing committee of Guruvayur Devaswom Board to prepare a comprehensive crowd management action plan at Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur within two months. The directive was passed after the court heard multiple petitions on issues at the temple, mainly those pertaining to crowd management. The Board submitted that it had introduced an online booking system for darshan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by a hybrid system, having online and offline options. The temple management submitted that due to the special and unique religious customs at the temple, the timing and duration of poojas cannot be precisely predicted. It was thus decided to stop online booking for darshan and to return to only offline darshan, since the hybrid system was found not viable. Only 10 to 11 hours of darshan time are available each day, during intervals between poojas. The court observed that the issue should not be seen only as “how to manage the queue”, but fundamentally as “how to avoid the queue”, since any sudden or concentrated influx of pilgrims in the limited space leads to multiple concerns. Citing the need to introduce a modern and scientifically designed system to ensure a dignified and spiritually fulfilling experience, the court issued a dozen guidelines that ought to be considered. It directed that a scientific study must be conducted to determine the number of devotees the temple can safely accommodate on normal and festival days, and a cap fixed. Devotees may be grouped with 300 to 500 persons per group, with each group being given tentative time slots. There should also be designated entry and exit points. App, digital display system A mobile application and digital display system should be introduced, to provide real-time updates. At least two days a week could be dedicated exclusively for online booking, for devotees from distant locations. In addition, drinking water, seating, fans, lighting and refreshments must be provided. The court suggested that the darshan time could be increased after consultation with the Thantri, by optimising ritual closures. The committee must also prevent misconduct by staff, who should receive regular training. Senior citizens, differently abled persons, pregnant women and those with infants should receive priority darshan. The court also recommended forming a permanent multi-departmental committee comprising the Chairman or a member of the Devaswom Managing Committee, the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Secretary of Guruvayoor Municipality, the Suchitwa Mission’s District Coordinator, the Pollution Control Board’s Environmental Engineer and the District Medical Officer for consultation.