The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has now announced that elderly and differently-abled pilgrims will get dedicated time slots for darshan. Officials have prepared a standard operating procedure (SOP) that will help these devotees avoid long queues at the sacred shrines in the Himalayas. Here’s everything you need to know about this update.
Priority Darshan For Elderly & Differently-Abled Pilgrims
Pilgrims above 70 years of age and differently-abled people will now have a smoother pilgrimage experience at Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple. The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has announced that these devotees will get priority darshan slots. This will help them avoid long queues and ensure a safer darshan experience at these temples in Uttarakhand.
According to The Economic Times, temple authorities have made special arrangements to facilitate easier access for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. The darshan will follow a standard operating procedure (SOP), with four 15-minute slots throughout the day at both temples.
Also Read: Kedarnath Temple Yatra Sees 5.23 Lakh Pilgrims In 22 Days; Health Department Issues Alert
Here Are The Dedicated Darshan Timings
According to The Economic Times, each 15-minute slot will easily accommodate 50 pilgrims. This means that 200 elderly and differently-abled devotees will be able to use this facility daily at both Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple.
Here are the timings for the dedicated slots:
- 8 am – 8:15 am
- 10 am – 10:15 am
- 3 pm – 3:15 pm
- 5:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Only elderly and differently-abled persons will be permitted to use this facility. They will have to present identity cards for registration at the BKTC counters. Moreover, officials will verify Aadhaar cards and other documents to confirm the devotee’s age and disability status. This decision addresses concerns over elderly and differently-abled devotees having to stand in queues for hours under difficult weather conditions.
Also Read: Can You Imagine How Kedarnath Temple Looked In 1882? Anand Mahindra Shares Rare Throwback Photo
Having dedicated slots will definitely make darshan smoother for aged and differently-abled devotees. What are your thoughts on this?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Satyam Kumar Singh
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Where is the Kedarnath Temple located?
Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.