The annual Chandanotsavam festival at the Simhachalam temple is approaching, with arrangements underway to facilitate devotee darshan. Official meetings have been held, involving various government departments, to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Special considerations are being made for VIP darshan, alongside measures to manage the anticipated large crowds.
The upcoming Chandanotsavam festival at the Simhachalam temple is a significant religious observance, drawing devotees from across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. Preparations involve coordination among multiple government agencies to manage the expected influx of visitors. The event features a unique ritual known as "Nijaroopa Darshanam," where the deity is presented without the usual sandalwood paste, allowing for a direct view of its form. This sacred moment is anticipated by thousands of devotees, highlighting the festival's importance and the temple's role as a major pilgrimage site.
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Festival and Darshan Arrangements
The Chandanotsavam festival, a key annual event at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, is scheduled for April 30th. This occasion is marked by the "Nijaroopa Darshanam," a rare ritual where the sandalwood paste is removed from the deity, revealing its true form. The exact timing of this special darshan is a point of focus for the preparations.
Early Morning Access: Devotees are slated to be allowed darshan from 3 a.m. for the Chandanotsavam, with some reports indicating 4 a.m. as the start time for general darshan.
VIP and Protocol Darshan: Specific timings are allocated for VIPs and protocol visitors.
Some reports state that VIPs, including the temple hereditary trustee and his family, judiciary officials, and donors, will have "antaralaya darshan" (darshan inside the sanctum sanctorum) from 3:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. on April 30th.
Other information indicates that protocol VIPs will be allowed darshan from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and again from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on April 30th.
Suspension of General Darshan: General darshan will be suspended from 6 p.m. on April 29th onwards, in anticipation of the main festival day.
Inter-Departmental Coordination for Event Management
Multiple government departments are collaborating to ensure the smooth operation of the Chandanotsavam festival. A significant meeting has been convened, bringing together officials from various sectors to address logistical and security requirements.
Participating Departments: Representatives from medical, transport, police, electricity, revenue, GVMC (Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation), and RTC (Road Transport Corporation) attended the preparatory meeting.
Volunteer Management: The temple's Executive Officer (EO) stated that volunteers will be provided with ID cards to assist devotees.
Transportation Oversight: Instructions have been given to ensure buses undergo fitness inspections, and managers are to be appointed at every point for supervision of transport arrangements.
Medical Facilities: Medical camps will be established as needed. A temporary hospital, equipped with beds and ambulance services, will also be operational.
Disaster Response: Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will be kept on standby for security and emergency management.
Special Darshan Tickets and Access
Information regarding special darshan tickets and access routes has been outlined by temple officials.
Ticket Sales and Counter Information: The sale of special darshan tickets and the number of ticket counters will be announced after April 15th.
Ticket Pricing and Access Points:
Tickets priced at ₹1,500, ₹1,000, and ₹300 will be available for devotees.
Devotees holding "free darshan" and tickets priced at ₹300, ₹1,000, and ₹1,500 will be allowed darshan from the 'Neeladri mandapam'.
Those purchasing ₹1,500 tickets for 'nijarupa' darshan will be permitted to view the deity from the 'Neeladri gummam'.
Ticket Security: To prevent the sale of counterfeit tickets, darshan tickets will be issued with a hologram and watermark.
Queue Management: The queue lines for devotees will be closed at 7 p.m. on April 30th. Devotees already in the queue at that time will be allowed darshan until the last person is accommodated.
Key Rituals and Devotee Turnout
The Chandanotsavam festival is distinguished by its specific rituals and the large number of devotees it attracts.
Nijaroopa Darshanam: This is the central ritual where the deity's natural form is unveiled after the removal of the annual sandalwood coating.
Hereditary Trustee Participation: As per temple tradition, the hereditary trustee, P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, along with his family, participates in the early morning rituals and offers silk vestments to the deity.
Government Representation: The Revenue Minister, Anagani Satya Prasad, and priests from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have also presented silk robes and offered prayers on behalf of the State government.
Expected Footfall: The festival is expected to draw a substantial number of devotees, with estimates ranging from 80,000 to one lakh, and some reports indicating close to 1.5 lakh devotees.
Information on General Temple Operations
Beyond the Chandanotsavam festival, the Simhachalam temple maintains regular timings and offerings.
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Daily Darshan: Regular daily darshan hours are typically from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, with an evening session from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Temple Closures: The temple observes brief closures for rituals, such as "Naivedyam" (food offering) from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Sevas and Poojas: The temple offers various daily poojas and sevas, including Archana, Kalyanotsavam, and Ratri Aaradhanamu (night worship).
Darshan Ticket Prices: Different categories of special darshan tickets are available, including a "Seeghra" darshan for quicker access at ₹150 and a ₹300 ticket for entry into the Garbha Gudi (inner sanctum).
The Hindu (Visakhapatnam): Provides timely updates on the arrangements and schedule for the Chandanotsavam festival. (Link)
The New Indian Express: Reports on past Chandanotsavam events, detailing devotee participation and traditional rituals. (Link)
The Times of India: Announces the date for the Chandanotsavam festival and mentions initial arrangements being made. (Link)
The Hans India: Details specific timings for VIP 'antaralaya darshan' during the Chandanotsavam period. (Link)
Deccan Chronicle: Describes a past Chandanotsavam, highlighting the Nijarupa Darshan and the hereditary trustee's participation. (Link)
The Hindu (Visakhapatnam): Another report detailing the arrangements for the Chandanotsavam, including darshan timings for different categories of visitors. (Link)
TempleDarshanTime.com: Provides a visitor guide that includes frequently asked questions about Simhachalam Temple darshan timings and booking. (Link)
Holaciti: Offers an explanation of daily darshan timings, poojas, and entry fees at Simhachalam Temple. (Link)
MandirDarshanTiming.com: Lists the public darshan timings for Simhachalam Temple, including morning and evening schedules. (Link)
