Online token system for dharshan in Chennai Temples

As a part of the relaxations announced by the Tamil Nadu Government, the places of worship were opened in the State on Tuesday. Accordingly, the SOPs to be followed were declared by the HR and CE department.

The official release from HR & CE said that those who wish to have darshan in temples can either go directly to the place of worship, get tokens and enter according to the time mentioned on it or apply for tokens online. Apart from tokens, temples will also sell tickets for darshan. Tokens will be capped automatically based on the number of devotees, said the release. Initially, the token systems were introduced in the city-based temples: Vadapalani Andavar Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple and Thiruvottriyur Vadivudaiyamman Temple.

Also it was said that the devotees can avail the token and reserve their slots through an app or SMS by furnishing Aadhaar number or an identity card. Apparently, the Annadhanam will become a take-home service. No 'Thiruneer' or 'Kungumam' will be offered. Devotees will not be allowed to sit inside the temple. No VIP darshan will be entertained, according to the SOPs furnished by the Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowments Department (HR&CE).

Meanwhile, Devotees visiting mosques have to bring their own prayer mats and churches cannot have live choir performances, the government said.

Slated for reopening on Tuesday, city temples saw many devotees during the opening hours and police personnel were deployed to ensure social distancing is followed by the public.