Guruvayur: Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has announced that a virtual queue system will be introduced on a trial basis at the Guruvayur Temple to ensure smoother and more convenient darshan for devotees.
Speaking to the media after a review meeting with department heads and members of the Devaswom Managing Committee at Guruvayur, the minister said that modern facilities would be developed at Guruvayur, Sabarimala, and Kottiyoor temples to transform them into world-class pilgrimage centres.
The minister stated that a comprehensive master plan would be prepared for the development of the temple. Officials have been directed to expedite land acquisition proceedings and complete the acquisition of land required for temple development within nine months. Any hurdles in the process would be resolved through discussions, he added.
Muraleedharan said the temple development projects would take practical shape within the next three years. He also assured that encroached temple lands would be reclaimed and that not even a small piece of Guruvayurappan’s land would be allowed to be lost.
To address issues at the Vengad Goshala, an expert committee will be constituted. The minister further announced plans to preserve Punnathur Kovilakam, located within the elephant sanctuary complex, as a historical monument. Facilities for temple elephants will be improved, and veterinary experts will be consulted to treat foot ailments affecting the elephants.
Devaswom Chairman A.V. Gopinath, Revenue Devaswom Secretary M.G. Rajamanikyam, Devaswom Managing Committee members, District Collector Shikha Surendran, and senior officials from the Revenue and Devaswom departments attended the meeting.
