TIRUPATI: In an attempt to provide smooth darshan, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams the (TTD) is considering making its booking service for all categories of tickets online.
Taking the example of success of the new plant online booking for Rs 300 special darshan, authorities now want to streamline care in the holy place. Officials also realized that the online reservation service reduces the burden on the current reserve system.
Under the scheme Rs 300 special darshan online booking introduced by the TDP government, 5,000 tickets were issued for the darshan advance. The devotee is then guaranteed darshan on the day for which the reservation was made.
The TTD now wants to issue at least 18 thousand tickets online in three categories for a given service. While many tickets will be available for booking 15 days in advance, some tickets will be available to book one week in advance and some tickets will be available one day in advance. The third category is for those who take an unplanned trip to Tirumala.
Sources said that the TTD now extend this online service to Divya darshan (for the devotees who come to the hill walk) and darshan in general. Divya darshan devotees usually have to wait in long queues after a long and tiring journey. However, once booked online, the devotee can follow for darshan after he reaches the top.
"With the online system, the TTD administration may have an estimate of the number of pilgrims who visit on a particular day. Gradually, the number of entries posted online and will increase the number of reserve current bills will be reduced" A senior official said. If things go well, the TTD management intends to cancel completely the current reserve system.
According to sources, the online booking is also extended to Arjita sevas. On a daily basis, about 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims visit the abode of the Lord. The number increased to 80,000 on weekends and plays a lakh mark auspicious Vaikunta Ekadasi days.