Differently-abled devotees face neglect at Indrakeeladri during Navaratri

As Navaratri festivities draw thousands of devotees to the temple, concerns have emerged over inadequate facilities for elderly visitors, parents with small children, and differently-abled devotees. Reports indicate that temple authorities have not ensured basic conveniences for these groups, leaving many to navigate the hill with difficulty.

A differently-abled devotee expressed anguish over the lack of basic facilities for common pilgrims at the temple hill, highlighting the hardships faced by non-VIP visitors.

Speaking to reporters, the devotee said he had reached the temple premises by availing a vehicle from Bhavani Ghat. However, he was disappointed to learn that wheelchairs and other mobility facilities were available only for VIPs and not for ordinary devotees.

“Are only VIPs considered human? What about the common man, sir? I have never seen such treatment before,” he lamented.

He narrated that despite repeated requests to the authorities for a battery vehicle, he was denied assistance. Officials reportedly told him the vehicles had completed multiple trips and required hours to recharge. “I came here at 10 AM and waited, but nobody helped me. I felt helpless in front of my children. I have lived my life with dignity, but moments like these make it very painful,” he said, visibly emotional.

The devotee also mentioned that although he is a worker of the Jana Sena Party, he refrained from criticizing the government in public. “I thought I should not speak against the government as it would bring a bad name. But today I am speaking only because the pain is real,” he added.

His statement reflects the growing concern among differently-abled pilgrims over inadequate facilities during major religious events, where VIP arrangements are prioritized while ordinary devotees struggle.

Electric vehicles and tricycles, typically provided to assist the elderly and differently-abled in reaching the temple, were reportedly unavailable. Meanwhile, VIP visitors appear to have received preferential treatment, including lift access, while devotees using wheelchairs or tricycles face restrictions and obstacles.

Critics have raised questions about the priorities of the temple administration and local authorities, suggesting that in the exercise of protocol and security measures, the basic human needs of vulnerable devotees have been overlooked during one of the region’s most sacred festivals.

Differently-abled devotees should never feel like second-class citizens in sacred spaces. Equal access to darshan is not a matter of privilege but a matter of basic human dignity. Implementing these recommendations will reinforce the commitment of temple authorities and the government towards a more inclusive and humane pilgrimage experience.