In a unique and innovative move to manage the bustling crowds at the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, police officers have taken on the guise of pujari to assist devotees during their spiritual visits. This initiative, spearheaded by Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Aggarwal, aims not only to streamline the influx of worshippers but also to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for all.
With devotees flocking to the temple from across the country daily, the challenge of maintaining order and facilitating smooth darshan has become increasingly daunting. In response, the deployment of police officers disguised as pujariseeks to address this issue while fostering a sense of reverence and warmth among visitors.
KV Dham's SDM Shambhu Sharan Singh: Policemen have been posted in sanatani costume near the sanctum sanatorum so that the devotees feel the person is a priest or member of temple staff trying to manage the crowd. Cops have been imparted special training to talk politely with the… pic.twitter.com/bBcJb8qCh1
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) April 13, 2024
Aggarwal highlighted that devotees often complained about feeling ill-treated by police officers, leading to a negative experience. By having officers dressed as pujari, who are traditionally regarded with respect and warmth, the aim is to create a more welcoming atmosphere and alleviate any discomfort felt by the devotees.
Six officers, including two females and four males, were observed wearing orange kurta and dhoti, adorned with rudraksha malas and sporting tripund on their foreheads, inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
To further enhance the devotees’ experience, the police officers-turned-pujaris will adhere to a strict ‘no-touch policy’ to prevent any incidents of pushing or mistreatment. Additionally, a circle will be formed with ropes during VIP movements to ensure devotees maintain a safe distance from each other without feeling crowded.
While police officers in uniform will be stationed outside the sanctum sanctorum to maintain order, those dressed as pujaris will be inside, guiding devotees and facilitating their visit. Aggarwal emphasized that these officers will undergo rigorous training, including learning basic English to communicate effectively with non-Hindi speaking devotees.
The initiative has drawn praise for its innovative approach to crowd management and its focus on enhancing the devotees’ spiritual experience.
As devotees continue to flock to the sacred site seeking solace and spiritual fulfilment, the presence of police officers donning the garb of pujaris stands as a testament to the innovative solutions being implemented to address the challenges of modern-day pilgrimage.
