As the New Year approaches, thousands of devotees across India are flocking to temples and popular religious destinations to usher in 2026 with prayers. However, this festive rush has created massive crowds,
making it difficult for people to peaceful enjoy. A live example of this situation was shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter).
The man dropped a video from his recent visit at Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills Temple on social media. The clip showed a sea of devotees packed tightly together, waiting patiently for hours to get a brief glimpse of the deity. The overwhelming visuals quickly drew attention, with several users discussing whether visiting temples during peak festival seasons truly enhances spiritual devotion.
‘Do Not Visit Temples When They Are Expected To Be Crowded’
Re-sharing the video, the Chief Project Manager at Indian Railways, Ananth Rupanagudi, advised people to avoid temples when they are expected to be extremely crowded. In his post, he wrote, “Please do not visit temples when they are expected to be crowded at that time of the year. That’s why we never visit the temples of Lord Shiva around Shivaratri, Vishnu temples around #VaikuntaEkadasi and the Devi temples during the Navratri periods.”
He further added that overcrowding often diminishes the spiritual experience. “Not only does the crowded environment cause personal inconvenience, but it also dilutes the devotion at the personal level, as we are more bothered about the progress of the queue. Temples are places that should raise the level of devotion and give us more peace of mind,” the post read.
Unpopular opinion – Please don't visit temples when they are expected to be crowded at that time of the year. That's why we never visit the temples of Lord Shiva around Sivaratri, Vishnu temples around #VaikuntaEkadasi, and the Devi temples during the Navratri periods.
Not only… https://t.co/SeL7jGhN2P
— Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) December 30, 2025
Social Media Users Share Mixed Reactions
The opinion triggered mixed reactions from social media users. While many agreed with the sentiment, others felt that visiting temples during auspicious occasions holds its own spiritual significance.
“Completely agree. God is omnipresent. So pray from your home,” read a comment
Another said, “This is exactly what I felt today, by the end, I lost the energy and devotion. Came out with the thought of not visiting during festivals. But it never worked in front of God.”
“Well said. The moment I see devotees’ interest in selfies, the devotion further dilutes,” wrote a user.
An individual shared, “Go at 3 am on Shivarathri to any one of countless old Shiva temples in Chennai and get easy Darshan. Same on Vaikunta Ekadasi. There are many 100-year-old temples where you can have Darshan in under 30 minutes. The same goes for Navaratri.”
“Expecting convenience in bakthi/devotion? People know what they are doing and it should stay that way. For me, it’s pure bliss to visit the Temple on the right occasions, like visiting Venkateshwara Temple on Vaikunta Ekadashi,” echoed a few.
Another stated, “Agree 200%. I have stopped visiting during any festivals.”
“Maybe unpopular but wise thinking. I agree,” commented an X user.
Crowds At Temples
Two days ahead of the New Year, a huge crowd of devotees has gathered in Uttar Pradesh’s three major religious cities – Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi. As per reports, more than 25 lakh devotees are expected in these cities till the New Year arrives. Hotels are full and rates have risen by 20-30 per cent. Darshan that takes one or two hours is now taking about five hours.
To avoid any mishap, VIP darshan and Sparsh darshan have been suspended until January 3 and authorities have set strict crowd control measures.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176709187290945487.webp)
