RAJKOT, INDIA, April 10, 2006: The joy of pilgrims flocking to the famous Somnath temple knows no bounds. They are now able to perform a very vital part of the ritual for worshipping the Deity with the click of a button. The temple has gone hi-tech and there’s no disappointment in store for devotees who don’t get to perform the Gangajal abhishek (ritual bath with Ganges water). So far, security restrictions had prevented them from approaching the Jyotirlinga (central Deity) and they had to remain content with a darshan from a distance. Perhaps Somnath — known as the shrine eternal — is the first pilgrim centre in Saurashtra to enter the global age with the Somnath Temple Trust authorities having found a way to help the pilgrims. This remote control device serves a duel purpose — adhering with security restrictions and, at the same time, satisfying the pilgrims. The pilgrims have to pay a sum of US$2.27 at the cash counter and then approach the priest, who gives them a remote control. Amidst the chanting of mantras, the pilgrim presses the button on the remote control and Gangajal flows onto the Jyotirlinga. The remote control is connected to a pipeline, which is linked with a tank full of Gangajal. This new hi-tech device has become tremendously popular with the pilgrims. On the other hand, the temple trust makes good money. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throng this famous temple and the rush is particularly heavy during Kartiki Purnima fair, which is a three-day annual feature.
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