New scheme for devotees: Free VIP darshan pass in exchange for blood donation at MP's Omkareshwar temple

KHANDWA: The famous Omkareshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district is offering devotees a free VIP darshan pass in exchange for blood donation under a new initiative launched by the administration, officials said on Thursday.The arrangement has helped the district collect around 150 to 200 units of blood every week, while also allowing devotees to avoid long queues and have quicker darshan along with their families, officials said.

Speaking to the media, District Magistrate Rishav Gupta said the initiative was started in view of the rising demand for blood in hospitals."We have noticed that the demand for blood for patients in hospitals is increasing.

The blood available at blood donation camps is insufficient, especially for patients undergoing treatment in emergency wards."In view of these circumstances, we linked blood donation with VIP darshan at the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple to encourage devotees to donate blood," he said.Officials said the response has been much higher than expected, with 150 to 200 units of blood being collected every week from devotees visiting Omkareshwar.

Due to heavy footfall at the temple, devotees usually wait for three to four hours for darshan of Lord Shiva. However, those who donate blood are given a VIP pass, allowing them to enter without waiting and have darshan with their family members.The donated blood is collected at a facility located near the temple, officials added.Devotees are also given a VIP darshan pass, a certificate, temple prasad and a photograph of Lord Omkareshwar as a token of appreciation. The VIP pass normally costs Rs 300 per person.Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr O P Jugtawat said the initiative has helped reduce blood shortages in the local blood bank and is also supporting treatment of patients in nearby districts when required.