CHENNAI: The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department is set to introduce a ‘break’ darshan facility at Palani and Tiruchendur Murugan temples, and the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai.

This initiative, modelled on the popular system at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, is aimed at reducing waiting times for darshan and streamlining crowd management.

Under the new arrangement, devotees can book their darshan slots online in advance by selecting a specific date and time for faster access to the sanctum sanctorum through dedicated entry points.

According to a Maalaimalar report, those opting for ‘break’ darshan will receive additional benefits such as ‘prasadam’, ‘aarti’, and ‘theertham’.

At the Palani temple, devotees paying Rs 300 for the special darshan will be given a package comprising Panchamirtham, coconut, fruits, sacred ash, and a traditional yellow cloth bag (manjappai).

Officials said the system will soon be extended to other major temples, including Srirangam and Samayapuram.