Guruvayur: In a landmark step towards modernising pilgrim management, the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is set to introduce a facial recognition–based digital darshan system, aiming to end hours-long waiting in queues and offer devotees a smoother, time-bound darshan experience.
Under the new Face App–enabled system, devotees will receive photo-embedded darshan tokens after a quick facial scan. Each token will clearly mention the exact time slot for darshan, ensuring orderly movement and reducing overcrowding within the temple premises.
The decision was finalised at a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Devaswom Administrator O.B. Arun Kumar, with participation from the police, Guruvayur municipality, and key Devaswom departments. Technical feasibility, operational challenges, and inter-departmental coordination were discussed in detail.
To facilitate hassle-free access, 12 dedicated token counters will be set up across different points near the temple entrance. The existing queue area will be divided into numbered compartments—such as 1–200, 201–400 and so on—with devotees allowed entry strictly according to their token numbers displayed at each stage.
The digital system will be introduced after the current festival season and will remain operational until the permanent queue complex becomes functional. The Devaswom Managing Committee has decided to invite companies with expertise in facial recognition technology to implement the system.
Looking ahead, officials said the proposed state-of-the-art queue complex, starting from the south entrance, will offer a rich spiritual and cultural experience. The facility will feature digital displays showcasing the temple’s history, Krishna legends, Krishnanattam stories, rituals, and traditions, along with essential amenities such as drinking water, tea, and light refreshments—making darshan at Guruvayur both spiritually fulfilling and technologically seamless.
