Chennai: Ahead of the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, 18 December, special arrangements are being made at the Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple.
On the auspicious day, the Sorgavasal will be opened. As nearly one lakh people are expected to turn up for the ritual, the temple authorities along with the police department have made arrangements to ensure the safety of the people and for smooth darshan.
Addressing the media here Friday, the temple’s Assistant Commissioner M Jothilakshmi said, “On all the four entrances, there will be signboards
that give details about the queue’s entry and exit point. Also two big LED screens will be placed on the southern entrance and back of the temple to help everyone see the happenings inside.”
“For elderly and physically-challenged people, special entrance has been arranged. From 8 am to 10 pm physically challenged people can come through the special entrance and from 10 am to 11 am, senior citizens can use it,” she added.
Special buses and trains have also been arranged to facilitate easy commute for people. Devotees can also get the special tickets priced at Rs 300 and badges for special darshan. These tickets can be collected 16 December at 1 pm from the temple.
During Vaikunta Ekadasi, people with the Rs 300 special ticket will be allowed inside the temple through the West Gopuram at 2.30 am. At
4 am, the deity will be taken out on a procession inside the temple after which, by 4.30 am, the Paramapadha Vaasal would be opened.
From 6 am, people will be allowed inside for darshan. “Totally, 45 CCTV cameras have been placed at all the entrances and inside the temple to ensure security and we have also requested the temple authorities to arrange for special LED lights. No vehicles will be allowed to be parked on the streets surrounding the temple. People can park their vehicles in the beach parking and arrangements will also be made for parking on Besant Road and Wellington School,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police H Krishnamurthy.
An official from the Chennai Metrowater Department said they will be providing purified drinking water to devotees, and, using a lorry, water supply will also be given to the bio-toilets.