Temples are trying to capitalise on the benefits of technology and make visits for devotees a less laborious affair. The Mahalakshmi Temple has begun giving updates about directions to get into the temple, status of queues, aarti timings, ringtones, wallpapers and other such information on mobile phones.



The information is automatically transmitted on your mobile phone once you activate your Bluetooth in the surrounding area of the temple. Bluecasting at the temple started during Navratri this year, when devotees were provided with information and security guidelines. "As it was installed in the midst of Navratri, we were unable to inform devotees about the software. We have started using the software, but will continue with it only after speaking to our trustees," said S V Padhye, manager, Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Charities.

Anup Patil, who visits the temple regularly, feels it is a good concept. "During Tuesdays, the queue for darshan is very long. If we are informed about the prayer timings, it would benefit us immensely," said Patil.

The Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbadevi temple, Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple at Juhu and several mosques and churches are also planning to make full use of technology. Subhash Mayekar, chairperson of Siddhivinayak Trust, says, "We are impressed with the proposal. It will reduce our burden of verbally telling people which gate to use to enter and exit. It would be great if we can use mobiles as a medium to inform people about the activities at the temple."

Equifone Solutions Pvt Ltd, which provides the service, assures that there are not chances of receiving spam messages or virus. "Almost everyone has a Bluetooth-enabled mobile. Why not make full use of its benefits?" asked Anil Peswani, director of the company.