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Now, you can fix your tryst: Deccan Herald
Bangalore, Sept 16: Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) today launched the biometric-based Sudarsanam Token System in Bangalore, under which pilgrims can choose the time slot and date of darshan of Lord Venkateshwara, as per their convenience.
Bangalore, Sept 16: Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) today launched the biometric-based Sudarsanam Token System in Bangalore, under which pilgrims can choose the time slot and date of darshan of Lord Venkateshwara, as per their convenience.
The new system, a modified version of the wristband based Sudarsanam system launched at Tirumala in March 1999, will give the pilgrims a maximum 60 days and a minimum three days to reserve the time slot and date of the darshan from Bangalore.
Under the earlier wristband system, the pilgrim was tied with a barcoded wristband, wherein his darshan date and time was slotted. But reservations under this system could be made only 36 hours to 48 hours in advance, and was available only at the Sudarsanam counters at Tirupati. The pilgrims had to wait for hours in and around the temple premises for availing the darshan.
Biometrics are automated methods of recognising a person based on physiological characteristics. Under the new system, the pilgrims can obtain their tokens and special darshan tickets on payment of Rs 60 per head. They will have to offer their thumb impression at the counters which will later be sent through the internet to the Devasthanam. The new system is expected to benefit pilgrims from distant places and also ease congestion at Tirumala.
Three laddus will be issued free of cost on the production of the token at the laddu counter at Tirumala after the darshan. Booking of accommodation and sevas will be brought under this system gradually in the next three months. GUEST HOUSE: Speaking after inaugurating the new system, Revenue Minister H C Srikantaiah said the dispute over a piece of land between the Karnataka government and TTD had been solved.
Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar who was also present said that the work on the proposed guest house at Tirumala would commence next month.
The three-storey guest house would be built at a cost of Rs 30 crore to Rs 50 crore and would be completed in a span of one-and-a-half years, he said. The new Sudarsanam system was started in Hyderabad on September 10 and at Chennai two days later. In Bangalore, the tokens are issued at the TTD Information Centre, 16th Cross, Vyalikaval, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560003. Ph: 3315361.
The new system, a modified version of the wristband based Sudarsanam system launched at Tirumala in March 1999, will give the pilgrims a maximum 60 days and a minimum three days to reserve the time slot and date of the darshan from Bangalore.
Under the earlier wristband system, the pilgrim was tied with a barcoded wristband, wherein his darshan date and time was slotted. But reservations under this system could be made only 36 hours to 48 hours in advance, and was available only at the Sudarsanam counters at Tirupati. The pilgrims had to wait for hours in and around the temple premises for availing the darshan.
Biometrics are automated methods of recognising a person based on physiological characteristics. Under the new system, the pilgrims can obtain their tokens and special darshan tickets on payment of Rs 60 per head. They will have to offer their thumb impression at the counters which will later be sent through the internet to the Devasthanam. The new system is expected to benefit pilgrims from distant places and also ease congestion at Tirumala.
Three laddus will be issued free of cost on the production of the token at the laddu counter at Tirumala after the darshan. Booking of accommodation and sevas will be brought under this system gradually in the next three months. GUEST HOUSE: Speaking after inaugurating the new system, Revenue Minister H C Srikantaiah said the dispute over a piece of land between the Karnataka government and TTD had been solved.
Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar who was also present said that the work on the proposed guest house at Tirumala would commence next month.
The three-storey guest house would be built at a cost of Rs 30 crore to Rs 50 crore and would be completed in a span of one-and-a-half years, he said. The new Sudarsanam system was started in Hyderabad on September 10 and at Chennai two days later. In Bangalore, the tokens are issued at the TTD Information Centre, 16th Cross, Vyalikaval, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560003. Ph: 3315361.