Varanasi: A whopping 50 lakh devotees have visited Varanasi in the last nine days to have darshan of Baba Vishwanath. The effect of Mahakumbh Mela can be felt in the holy city which saw the maximum number of devotees on February 8. Given the rush, entry of vehicles from outside has been prohibited into the city.
This apart, route diversion has been implemented but the measures have had little impact as approximately 8 to 10 lakh devotees are visiting the city daily. The situation is such that devotees are forced to stand in a 4 km-long queue to have the darshan of Baba Bishwanath.
Numbers at glance
As per the temple administration, 5,69,360 devotees visited Baba Vishwanath's shrine on February 1, about 4,61,759 on February 2, nearly 5,84,224 on February 3, about 5,09,133 on February 4, about 4,89,223 on February 5, nearly 4,56,586 on February 6, nearly 4,94,854 on February 7, about 6,21,307 on February 8 and 4,39,690 till 7 pm on February 9.
The number of devotees was the highest on February 8. Over 50 lakh devotees have already visited the shrine this month which seems a record in itself. Such a crowd has never been witnessed at the shrine even on important religious festivals like Sawan and Shivratri.
Special arrangements for visitors
Temple PRO Gajendra said the number of devotees has increased due to the reverse flow from Maha Kumbh. He said the temple administration has made special arrangements at Vishwanath Dham including the deployment of additional personnel for healthcare, security and sanitation. Special queues have been earmarked for devotees to ensure seamless darshan at the shrine, he said.
For the convenience of devotees, special arrangements have also been made at the railway station and main bus stand. Designated parking areas have been created and the shrine premises were converted into a no-vehicle zone.
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