Dakor: Just a day after the decision to charge devotees for VIP darshan was announced by the management of Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Mandir in Dakor, some Hindu organisations and sarpanchs from nearby villages submitted written pleas to the temple administration today, urging to reconsider this decision. The protesters have warned of strong agitation if the decision is not revoked.

The temple administration had announced a fee of ₹500 per person for those interested in VIP Darshan (a close view of the Thakorji). Additionally, male devotees have the option to join the female line for a charge of ₹250, as per the decision. This new service began on Thursday, leading to a mixed response. Numerous devotees expressed their displeasure with this decision.

During a protest against the Dakor Temple Committee’s decision, devotees chanted slogans like “God is hungry for love; you are hungry for money. Youth from Hindu organisations and representatives of the Sarpanch Association of Thasara Taluk visited the temple to voice their concerns. They stressed that devotion should not be tied to financial considerations. They handed a written representation to the temple manager, firmly expressing their dissent.

Akshay Parmar, the vice president of the Yuva Kshatriya Samaj Kheda district and a representative of Khijalpur sarpanch, deemed the decision unreasonable. He highlighted that while the temple administration claims the fees are for those seeking a closer view of the deity, there’s apprehension that this might create the impression that people can purchase a more intimate connection with God. He further added that if the decision is not altered or revoked by 6 p.m. today, they have threatened to collectively observe a fast.

Those opposing the decision said, the Mandir has sufficient donations and funds available in addition to the offering by the State government arm Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Board. They said there’s not even a parking of vehicles for devotees. A private parking where charge is levied for parking the vehicles is located away from mandir. There’s no cleanliness. Even in rich city like Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak mandir charges Rs. 50 for shorter queue and faster darshan, but in Dakor, the temple administration has introduced Rs. 500 charge. DeshGujarat

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