Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced on January 2 that bookings for the yatra must only be done online. Pilgrims undertaking the 13-day trek must get their yatra slips online, where the bord issues only 2000 yatra slips on an average per day. The decision to permit only online bookings to Vaishno Devi was taken after the tragic stampede at the place of worship that claimed 12 lives. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of those who died in addition to the ₹10 lakh ex-gratia. The Vaishno Devi yatra resumed on August 16 2020 by adhering to the protocols of safety and social distancing.
Virtual Darshan Of Goddess Through Mobile App And Home Delivery Of Prasad
With the coronavirus pandemic gripping the world, from tuition classes to marriages, everything has turned virtual. And now, Mata Vaishno Devi shrine of Jammu and Kashmir’s Trikuta hills will allow devotees to have a glimpse of the Goddess and take part in her worship, virtually, through a mobile application. The authority is not only arranging for virtual worship, but it will also enable home delivery of puja prasad. One needs to book the prasad from the website. The prasad will reach the doorsteps via speed post. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha came up with the idea of prasad delivery. Also, here are 10 unusual temples of India you probably didn’t know about.
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The Mobile App Will Operate On Both Android And iOS Platforms
According to NDTV reports, a senior official of the board said, “Although the coronavirus outbreak briefly halted the large gathering at religious places, the board is devising new methods so that devotees unable to take nearly 12 km trek to the cave and can still have darshan and blessings while sitting at home.” Ramesh Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of the shrine board has said that the temple is currently live-streaming the daily rituals on a religious TV channel. He added, “The mobile app would provide an opportunity to the worshippers across the globe to have an individual experience of godliness and bliss. Mobile app will also provide flexibility so devotees will not miss the Amrit Vela even if they are on the move.” The app can operate both on Android and iOS platforms.
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The Vaishno Devi shrine receives thousands of pilgrims from all across the world every year. This year, due to the pandemic, the number of devotees visiting the shrine has declined sharply. To combat the virus spread, the shrine board employees have been provided with personal protective equipment ( PPE) kits as well. The online darshan facility through mobile app is indeed a great initiative by the temple authorities. For now, here’s a virtual tour of Jammu from the comfort of your home: