Lucknow: Acharya Dev has developed a groundbreaking mobile app called “Virtual Astrology and Temple App” (VAMA) that allows individuals to remotely perform puja (worship) at any famous temple in the country from the comfort of their homes. Users can virtually visit these temples, witness rituals, and even make online donations to support underprivileged individuals outside the temples. This innovation is gradually ushering temples around the world into the digital age.
What sets VAMA apart is its affordability, with online offerings starting at just INR 500. Once downloaded, the app requires users to provide their information. Users can seek advice from astrologers or select a specific temple for worship.
The app offers a wide range of services, including Kundali analysis, debt alleviation rituals, remedies for Saturn-related issues, child blessings, consecration ceremonies at the famous Shani Shingnapur temple, ancestral rites, puja at Kashi Vishwanath temple, and even remote worship at Nepal’s Pashupatinath temple. All rituals can be viewed live, including the chanting of mantras by priests.
Acharya Dev, along with his technical collaborators Himanshu and Manu Jain, embarked on creating this mobile app during the COVID-19 pandemic when many temples were deserted, causing financial difficulties for priests. Himanshu and Manu Jain, with a family history deeply rooted in astrology, had been involved in providing online astrological consultations for private companies since 2012.
To access VAMA, users first need to download the app from their respective app stores and fill in their details. They can then consult with astrologers or choose to perform a puja. The app provides a list of temples and available rituals, allowing users to make online payments for their chosen services. After the completion of the puja, a recording is sent to the user.
Acharya Dev explained that he created the app to support temples and priests during the pandemic when temples faced financial challenges. This initiative not only benefits temples and priests but also offers convenience to elderly or time-constrained devotees who can now access these services from their homes.
Among the featured temples are Pashupatinath in Nepal, Someshwar Temple in Prayagraj, Jwala Devi in Himachal Pradesh, Hanuman Garhi, Chaukia Dham Sheetla Mata Temple in Jaunpur, Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh, Shani Shingnapur, Omkareshwar in Ujjain, Kedarnath in Ujjain, Rinn Mukteshwar in Ujjain, Chandrika Devi Temple in Lucknow, and Naimisharanya in Sitapur.
