Sri Jagannath Temple Committee Approves Queue System for Devotees

Puri, Sept 3 : The newly formed Sri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (MC) on Tuesday approved the introduction of a queue system at the 12th-century shrine to streamline darshan for devotees. The system will be introduced on a trial basis, with elevated platforms to ensure smooth movement and better visibility of the deities.

Temple Chief Administrator Arabind Padhee said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has already cleared the initiative. The ASI has also approved a proposal to install air-conditioning in the Natamandap, for which the government will soon prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The meeting also discussed arrangements for differently-abled and elderly devotees, including the use of a dedicated ramp at the North Gate. A special panel has been set up to frame guidelines to facilitate darshan for such devotees.

The MC endorsed all major decisions taken by the administration in the past year, including those related to Rath Yatra. The committee also raised objections to the misuse of Jagannath temple terminologies such as Dhama and Abhada in unrelated contexts.

Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singh Deb informed that he has urged ISKCON authorities at Mayapur to desist from observing Jagannath rituals and Rath Yatra in ways that contradict Jagannath culture. He is expected to address the matter in a press conference soon.

To strengthen temple management, the MC constituted 14 sub-committees, including statutory ones under the Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, and new panels on security, legal affairs, culture, research, and technical projects. The Cultural Sub-Committee will be chaired by Gajapati Maharaja, while the District Magistrate and ASI will head the Project and Technical Sub-Committee.

The temple body also reviewed issues related to finance, servitor welfare, rituals, and staff benefits, while extending a warm welcome to its newly nominated members.