Devotees in Bihar are expressing strong dissatisfaction over the new VIP darshan system implemented at the famous Shaktipeeth Chandika Sthan temple. The system, introduced by the temple administration on Tuesday, has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and general devotees alike. Critics argue that this arrangement is discriminatory towards common people and violates the age-old tradition where all devotees had equal access to the deity.

The new system, effective from Tuesday, mandates separate queues for VIPs and general devotees. VIP darshan will likely require a special fee or access, while regular worshippers will face longer waiting times. Protests erupted within the temple premises immediately after the decision. Many devotees condemned it as a 'paid darshan' practice, asserting that it would negatively impact the sanctity of the temple and public faith.

Protesting devotees have urged the temple management committee to immediately withdraw the new system. They contend that Chandika Sthan is a public religious site where everyone should have equal rights. A local devotee remarked, "There are no VIPs in Maa's court. We are all her children and have an equal right to darshan. This system creates a distinction between rich and poor, which is unacceptable in religious places."

As of now, the temple management committee has not issued an official statement regarding the protests. However, sources suggest that the administration implemented the system citing crowd control and security reasons. Devotees, however, believe there are other methods for crowd management that would not hurt the sentiments of common worshippers. It remains to be seen how the temple administration will respond to the growing opposition.