VP Dhankhar to Inaugurate Solar-Powered Sri Saanidhya on Jan 7

Mangaluru: Devotees visiting the famous Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple in Dharmasthala can look forward to a more comfortable and hassle-free darshan experience with the inauguration of the newly constructed ‘Sri Saanidhya Queue Complex.

Designed to tackle the challenges of long wait times, particularly during peak seasons, this state-of-the-art facility promises a blend of comfort, convenience, and efficiency, ensuring a smoother visit for everyone.

Located in Dakshina Kannada district, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala attracts thousands of devotees daily. The number swells significantly during weekends and holidays, with devotees waiting for hours in long queues to seek the darshan of Sri Manjunatha Swamy. Recognizing this challenge, Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade chalked out a modern, devotee-friendly facility to make the pilgrimage experience seamless and spiritually focused.

The new three-storey building, covering 275,177 sq. ft. and situated adjacent to the temple, features spacious, air-conditioned halls capable of accommodating up to 12,000 devotees at a time.

The building comprises 16 halls with each capacity to accommodate 600-800 devotees.

These halls ensure a comfortable waiting experience, even during peak times. Essential amenities like drinking water stations, childcare rooms, clean restrooms, and cafeterias have been thoughtfully included to cater to the diverse needs of visitors.

One of the standout features of the complex is the advanced Queue Management System (QMS), introduced for the first time at Dharmasthala.

Powered by AI-based technology, this software effectively assigns halls based on the amount of people entering and leaving the complex. The system ensures that devotees are directed to the appropriate halls at the scheduled time for darshan, maintaining a smooth flow without any delays.

The QMS is integrated with 160 AI-based cameras for real-time monitoring and security. In case of any emergency, the system can trigger alerts to the command room for immediate response.

Communication and safety have also been prioritized.

The complex is equipped with 263 speakers and 54 amplifiers to broadcast live information, emergency updates, and instructions to the devotees. The system ensures clear communication of all essential messages and provides a safe evacuation protocol in case of fire or other emergencies.

Adding to its modern design, the complex incorporates eco-friendly features, including solar panels generating 650 kilowatts of renewable energy and advanced energy-saving systems, reducing its environmental impact and operating sustainably.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will inaugurate ‘Sri Saanidhya’ on Jan 7.