Tuljapur – Hundreds of devotees from different parts of the State go for ‘darshan’ of Shri Tuljabhavani Devi during Navaratri festival. Instead of making ‘Darshan’ easy for devotees, Shri Tuljabhavani Devi Sansthan has increased the cost of ‘Denagi darshan Pass (donation for getting pass and have darshan of Deity)’ by increasing the cost of pass from ₹200 to ₹300; ₹500 pass to cost ₹1,000. The new rates will be applicable from 20.09.2025 to 08.10.2025. The Sansthan has stated that the reason for increasing the cost is the increase in crowd during Navaratri festival. The increase in the cost for the reason of devotees to get quick darshan is like looting devotees by the Sansthan, under the guise of providing facilities, as per the response received from people for increase in the cost of pass.
The concept of charging more for ‘Special guest darshan pass’ is wrong – Sunil Ghanwat, National Convener, Mandir Mahasangh
Taking money for ‘Darshan’ is wrong. Such service creates discrimination amongst devotees. What do the devotees, who cannot pay ₹300-500 do ? All devotees are equal to God; therefore, the system of having ‘Darshan’ should be the same for everyone. Is the temple a company that is thinking only about increasing its income ? The Sansthan should know whether Devi will like a devotee coming for ‘Darshan’ with devotion or a devotee paying money for ‘Darshan’? Every time, the cost is increased during Hindu festival. It is totally wrong and unjust. The charges should be withdrawn and the system of paying for ‘Darshan’ should be permanently stopped, is the demand of Mandir Mahasangh.
Charging for ‘Darshan’ is like trampling devotee’s faith and devotion – Amarraje Kadam-Parameshwar, President, Shri Tuljabhavani Bhope Pujari Mandal
The Mandir Sansthan has increased the cost of ‘Darshan’ in the name of VIP ‘Darshan’ in this ‘Sharadeeya Navaratri’ festival and has taken away God from devotees by crushing their faith and sentiments. The Sansthan should have tried to make Deity’s ‘Darshan’ easy for the devotees but it has started the custom of charging money for ‘Darshan’ as if it is a source of income for the Sansthan. ‘Bhope Pujari Mandal’ publicly condemns this action.
Editorial Perspective
Please note the adverse effects of Government taking over temple management.
