The temple remained closed to devotees on Monday as the sanctum sanctorum was cleaned, with the idol covered in a protective cloth known as an ‘Irla’ during the process.
Kolhapur : With around 25 lakh devotees expected to visit the Mahalaxmi temple during Navaratra, the city administration has begun preparations to handle the festive rush. Parking space is being readied for nearly 5,000 vehicles, while traffic, crowd control and facilities for devotees are being strengthened. The parking plan can accommodate around 2,330 four-wheelers, minibuses and private buses, besides 2,350 two-wheelers. To help outstation devotees reach designated parking areas, the traffic police have installed directional boards at 22 locations. “In the past two days, we have removed more than 100 abandoned vehicles from major roads. Notices have been issued to another 100 vehicle owners. Parking for private buses has been planned at Nirman Chowk, Venus Corner-Railway Station, Khanwilkar Pump 100 Feet Road, Shahu Dayanand High School, Panchaganga Ghat, Tapovan Maidan and Ester Pattern School.
The traffic branch has simultaneously launched a drive against roadside encroachments and abandoned vehicles that could choke roads during the festival. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
“Directional boards have been installed at 22 locations so that devotees coming from other districts can easily reach the parking areas,” city traffic branch inspector Nandkumar More said. People should remove such vehicles themselves at the earliest,” More said. Identified parking grounds are being cleaned and repaired, with lighting and mobile toilets also being arranged. Parking information will also be available through an app. Devotees will be able to pay parking charges through their mobile phones, with scanners installed at different locations. Preparations are also gathering pace at the Mahalaxmi temple. The idol was covered with a protective cloth, locally called an ‘Irla’, during the exercise. A cleanliness drive is also underway across the temple premises. Arrangements are being made for darshan queues, drinking water, medical facilities and devotee safety. The administration is drawing up special crowd-management measures considering the large number of devotees expected from across the country. Four-wheelers can be parked at Bindu Chowk, Main Rajaram High School, Private High School, Susur Bagh, Petala Maidan, Irwin Christian High School, Shahu Stadium and Gandhi Maidan. Two-wheeler parking will be available at MLG High School Ground, Saraswati Talkies parking area, Bhausingji Road, Shivaji Road, Mirajkar Tikti and Gujari. Download the TOI App.
The temple remained closed to devotees on Monday as the sanctum sanctorum was cleaned, with the idol covered in a protective cloth known as an ‘Irla’ during the process. The shrine remained closed to devotees on Monday while the sanctum sanctorum was cleaned.
