Mahavir Temple Patna. File Photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The city was immersed in devotion on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Purnima, as thousands of devotees thronged temples to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti. The Mahavir Temple near the railway junction witnessed an overwhelming rush from the early hours of the morning.
This year’s celebrations are particularly notable as the temple authorities have introduced state-of-the-art technology to enhance the convenience and safety of devotees, ensuring a smoother and more secure experience for those standing in long queues.
From dawn, serpentine queues were seen outside the temple, with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Bajrangbali ki Jai” echoing across the premises. Devotees offered naivedyam and laddus while performing rituals with deep reverence.
The temple has been elaborately decorated for the occasion. The sanctum, adorned with vibrant flowers, has drawn admiration from visitors, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere where devotees appeared fully immersed in prayer.
In a significant step towards efficient crowd management, the temple has adopted advanced technological measures alongside traditional arrangements. According to Acharya Kishore Kunal, secretary of the Shri Mahavir Temple Trust, special ‘people-counting’ machines have been brought in from Bengaluru.
This AI-based system provides real-time data on the number of devotees entering and exiting the temple. It enables authorities to monitor crowd density in different sections and promptly deploy security personnel wherever pressure builds up.
Amid rising April temperatures and massive footfall, humidity posed a major challenge. To address this, a high-capacity 80-tonne air-conditioning plant has been installed within the premises. From the sanctum to the exit gates, a steady flow of cool air has been ensured to prevent discomfort, particularly for the elderly and children waiting in queues.
The temple has been decorated with a blend of indigenous and exotic flowers, offering a visually captivating experience that helps devotees forget their fatigue and find spiritual solace.
Outside the temple, hundreds of counters have been set up for the distribution of the popular naivedyam prasad, prepared on the lines of Tirupati. Tight security arrangements are in place, with government police forces supported by a large number of private security personnel. CCTV cameras are being used extensively to keep a close watch on any suspicious activity.
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