SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS AT THE TEMPLES FOR NEW YEAR’s DAY
In view of the ongoing health risk created by the pandemic and the current surge of infection in Greater Sydney, at the request of the Police and Health Officials of NSW, SVT will be implementing the following procedures / rules and regulations for the New Year’s Day Poojas and Archanas. We have been advised by Police and Health officials that the current rules and practices are inadequate and, more importantly not being observed by the devotees / visitors; and that we must put in place robust measures to enforce the recommended social distancing rules as well as the maximum number of devotees that could be allowed at any given time into the temple premises. Their recommendations have been implemented from the 26th instant to effectively monitor the flow and comply with Covid Safe requirements.
However, as New Year’s Day is special to a large number of devotees, who are expected to visit to the temple, we urge them to adhere to the new measures and conduct themselves in such a manner, that the Temple is able to demonstrate the initiative in implementing appropriate measures, as well as maintain order and discipline to have a Covid safe environment. Failure to adhere to these steps, outlined below, will result in censure as well as fine which can be imposed under the Health Department / Police Department Regulations.
These new measures / restrictions will change or be upgraded, depending upon the Government’s Policy announcements in this regard from time to time.
Entry to the Premises:
Devotees are required to park their vehicles, as directed by the Traffic Management Team and walk to the Temple’s Main Gate to gain entry.
Registration: You must register at the “Registration Desks”, located at the Gates: Please download the Service NSW Covid safe App and use our QR codes displayed at the entrance to register. You are required to show the registration to the volunteer(s) manning the Desk to gain entry.
Maintain Social Distancing: Visitors / Devotees are required to stand in marked spots, (1.5 meters from each other and each one maintaining the four-square meter space rule). This rule is applicable wherever there is a “Queue” system and to every individual, even if it happens to be from the same house-hold.
Wearing of Face Mask : It is mandatory to wear a mask within the temple premises; Those who may not have a mask can purchase one at the Registration Desk. There are no exceptions.
Dharshan of Deities:
All devotees who enter the temple premises are required to stay in a single file “Q” system. You will be guided by volunteers who will take you through all the main shrines at both the Shiva and Vishnu Temple.
Devotees are requested to walk through and observe Darshans at various shrines in an orderly and timely manner, considering those waiting outside to gain entry.
You will be exiting at Perumal Temple through the far side exit
Archanas / Poojas:
On that day you will not be able to purchase tickets for Abhishekam /Achana or for any other pooja. This is to ensure all devotees are given an opportunity to have dharshan. However, those who wish to perform Archanas can.
Make an Online booking for Archanas through the Temple’s website www.svtsydney.org
The priests will perform the Archana in absentia of the donor and post the Prasadam to the nominated address.
In the alternative, if you have not made a booking you may choose to donate a sum of money by placing it in the “HUNDI” or making a payment at designated desks (receipts’ will be issued).
Canteen:
Access to the canteen: As only a limited number of people could be allowed to gain entry to canteen premises. We request those devotees who have had Dharshan and wish to buy food and those who only want to buy food to take note that:
Only “Take-away” option is available and NO Dine-in facility will be provided.
Orders are to be placed by using the appropriate QR code displayed at the entrance desk.
Upon confirmation of the order, the same shall be displayed to the volunteer manning the counter to gain entry for making payment and pick up the ordered food.
Only one person from a house-hold or group will be permitted to gain entry, to avoid unnecessary crowding in the area. Other members of the group shall “exit” the Temple gates and wait in their vehicles.
Cleanliness:
PLEASE ENSURE TO DISPOSE OF YOUR RUBBISH IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER.
DO NOT LITTER THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
Note: Please remember to bring your umbrellas, as heavy rains have been predicted.
SVT Management Wishes you all a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year.
