Hardship that the pilgrims have to be face for getting bhasma arti passes at famed Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain is likely to ease as the temple management could start online requisition and issuance of passes by coming Diwali.

Divisional commissioner Arun Pandey, after reviewing the ongoing and proposed developmental works in temple vicinity at a meeting on Thursday, said special software for online passes has been prepared by NIC (National Informative Centre) and its trial would be done around Dussehra festival later this month.

"I have directed the concerned authorities to open its functioning for common men by Diwali positively," Pandey said.

He said pilgrim coming from other cities desire to attend bhasma arti but they might have to stay here more or return disappointed if there is over capacity inflow of devotees. The online facility would make them to plan the trip comfortably.  

NIC District officer Dharmendra Yadav, who designed the software, said a pilgrim has to file information like name(s), age, sex, address and also has to attach scanned copy of identity and address documents.

Position of availability for a particular date would also be displayed on the websites (mahakaleshwar.org.in and mahakaleshwar. nic.in). Conformation of reservation would generate a unique number, which would also be sent through SMS on mobile.

Mahakal temple administrator Jayant Joshi said presently 500 devotees could be accommodated for bhasma arti and passes are issued accordingly.

After online implementation ratio for online passes and those who file application at temple office would be fixed. The online reservation would be available one month in advance, Joshi informed.