Live darshan, virtual puja facilitating devotees, says CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that virtual puja and live darshan had emerged as new-age practices that allow devotees from around the world to maintain a connection with ancient shrines.

He said that the state government was using modern technology to strengthen the bond between devotees and the shakti peeth of Himachal Pradesh. “With the onset of Navrataras, these online tools can be a blessing for devotees, who are unable to visit important temples,” he added.

Sukhu said that many temples in the state, including Shri Mata Chintpurni in Una district, Baba Balak Nath Temple at Deotsidh in Hamirpur and the Jakhu Temple in Shimla district, were now offering online darshan services. He added that the shakti peeth of Himachal attracted millions of devotees from world over and the online darshan facility was an alternative for those who could not visit the temples. “Online platforms have been developed to offer services such as virtual puja, purchase of religious materials, including ‘prasad’ and making donations for the temples at Jwalamukhi, Kangra and Chamunda Devi,” he claimed.

Sukhu said, “Directives have been issued for upholding the sanctity of religious practices during virtual ceremonies and ensuring that traditions are not compromised with. Millions of devotees are taking advantage of these technological advancements, making use of live streaming services and real-time darshan of the deities. Social media handles of many temples have also been created.”

He said that the government was actively promoting religious tourism in the state and working to upgrade infrastructure at various religious places.