Guruvayur: Devotees arriving at the famed Sri Krishna temple here can avoid standing in long queues to get a glimpse (darshanam) of the deity if they pay Rs 1,000 to offer 'neivilakku' (ghee lamp) at the 'sreelakam' (sanctum sanctorum).
The temple administration has in-principle agreed to the proposal and an announcement would be made on Thursday.
At present, for a Rs 4,500 'neivilakku' receipt, five people could enter the temple from near the flagpole without standing in queue. They also get a 'prasad' kit. Now, a person who offers a Rs 1,000 'neivilakku' will be provided the same benefits.
People adopt illegal methods to avoid queues and gain entry. It is alleged that some hotels charge a fee to arrange a temple visit. The illegal entry is facilitated with the help of some temple employees.
The temple authorities believe that the new move would help end such illegal practices. On Thursday, the administration is also likely to announce its decision to allow more than one person a day during the udayasthamaya pooja (continuous pooja).
Since bookings for the 'udayasthamaya pooja' have been done till 2050, no new bookings are being made for years now. If more people are allowed, people can take part in the 'pooja' during their lifetime and more people could book the pooja. Chuttuvilakku bookings are now accepted for 2026. For 'chuttuvilakku' (oil lamps outside the sanctum sanctorum) too, the authorities are considering allowing more than one person.
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