Laddu ATM Debuts At Indrakeeladri

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam at Indrakeeladri has introduced a ‘Laddu Prasadam ATM’ to ease the system of distribution of prasadam for devotees.

The automated machine, installed at the Central Information Centre premises near Arjuna Veedhi, was inaugurated on Wednesday by endowments commissioner Ramachandra Mohan in the presence of temple chairman Borra Radhakrishna, executive officer V.K. Seena Naik and staff members.

Commissioner Ramachandra Mohan said the machine was designed to save devotees from long queues at prasadam counters, enabling them to receive laddus instantly through UPI-based digital payments.

He explained that the project was launched on a trial basis and its performance would be reviewed before extending the facility to other crowded areas of the temple. The machine would be particularly useful on regular days, while festival crowds would continue to be managed through traditional counters.

The commissioner also cautioned devotees against falling prey to fake puja tickets.

Referring to recent incidents in Vijayawada, he said the temple authorities had already lodged complaints with the police and strict legal action was being taken against culprits. He urged devotees not to trust middlemen or unauthorised agents, stressing that tickets and services be obtained only through official websites, digital apps or authorised counters. Transparency and technology, he said, were the cornerstones of the temple’s service system.

Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming Dasara Sharannavarathri festivities were in full swing. Comprehensive plans were being drawn up to ensure smooth darshan for lakhs of devotees expected from across the state and beyond. Priority, he emphasized, would be given to ordinary devotees.

Special arrangements for crowd control, queue management, drinking water, prasadam distribution and security are being made. Protective sheds are being erected to shield pilgrims from sun and rain, while continuous monitoring will be in place throughout the celebrations.

Temple chairman Borra Radhakrishna, members of the Dharmakarta Mandali, officials and staff participated in the inaugural event.