Devotees flock to Hassan's Hasanamba temple on first day of public darshana

Hassan: A large number of devotees, braving the rains, lined up on the first day of public darshana at Hasanamba temple in the city on Friday.

District in-charge Minister Krishna Byregowda was present at the temple, along with Deputy Commissioner K S Lathakumari to ensure that the 'darshana' system was streamlined for the benefit of the devotees.

He was seen regulating the crowd at the Dharma darshana queue for a while.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said, “The cancellation of VIP and VVIP passes has benefited the people. I spoke to a few devotees from Raichur and Koppal, who had the Darshana in just one and a half hours. What could be more satisfying than this, for people's representatives like us?"

"The devotees should not be inconvenienced for the convenience of a few 'important persons'. Thousands of people have already had the darshana since morning," he said.

He said, "Some 10% of the people might be upset. But 90% are happy. The system will continue. However, we have to observe for two or three days and set things right if there are lapses. Many people have appreciated it."

"After the stampede in Bengaluru, we have ensured that there is no problem here, where thousands of people congregate annually. This is the priority of the district administration," he said.

There is no entry for the vehicles of the dignitaries near the temple.

Due to the strict protocol, MLAs and former MLAs, ministers and their family members will be escorted by the district administration in their vehicles.

The dignitaries will reach the Travellers' Bungalow in their vehicle. Then, they will be taken to the temple by the officials.

Arkalgud MLA A Manju and his family members followed the protocol and had the Darshana on Friday.

Manju expressed happiness over the new system. The officials have made every effort for the smooth Darshana. This should continue till the end. The officials should not succumb to any pressure, he said.

MLC Suraj Revanna also appreciated the efforts of the district administration to facilitate the darshans to thousands of devotees. The people should make use of this, he said.

To a question, he said his grandfather-former PM H D Deve Gowda is recovering and he will be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days.