In a significant move to enhance devotee experience, the renowned Kanakadurga Temple in Vijayawada is set to roll out a comprehensive suite of online services, inspired by the successful model of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). This decision comes on the heels of the grand and exceptionally well-organized conclusion of the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana festival, which drew unprecedented crowds to the Indrakeeladri hill.
Record-Breaking Festival Sets the Stage for Digital Transformation
The Bhavani Deeksha Viramana, held from December 11 to 15, witnessed a historic participation. Temple authorities reported that a staggering 5.27 lakh Bhavani devotees took part in the rituals. When combined with general visitors, the total footfall was expected to cross the six lakh mark. To manage this immense gathering, the administration set up special counters, 19 prasadam distribution outlets, three homa gundams, and designated bathing points along the river. Nearly 3,000 police personnel were deployed round-the-clock to ensure a smooth and safe event for all.
Addressing Congestion with a Digital Push
The festival's success, coupled with the temple's steadily rising daily visitor count, highlighted the urgent need for better crowd management. On regular weekdays, the temple sees around 15,000 devotees, a number that swells to between 30,000 and 50,000 during festivals and weekends. Many arrive without prior bookings, leading to long waiting hours in queues.
To tackle this, temple officials, including Executive Officer Seena Nayak and Trust Board Chairman Borra Radhakrishna, announced plans for a full-fledged digital ecosystem. Encouraged by the positive response to a newly launched mobile application, the temple will now expand its online offerings. The upcoming services will allow devotees to book darshan slots in advance, purchase prasadam like laddu and pulihora, reserve parking, and make contributions for annadanam, satram donations, and various sevas.
Infrastructure and Future Plans
The temple has already received a significant boost for this initiative, with donations of computers and infrastructure worth nearly ₹10 lakh. The proposed digital platform is designed to reduce physical congestion, streamline operations, and provide a more convenient experience for devotees throughout the year, not just during peak festivals.
This strategic shift towards digitization mirrors the proven systems of TTD and aims to position the Kanakadurga Temple as a modern pilgrimage center while preserving its spiritual sanctity. The move is expected to significantly improve administrative efficiency and devotee satisfaction.
