Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is set to provide air-conditioned (AC) comfort to devotees visiting the 12th century shrine in Odisha’s pilgrim town Puri.
A proposal in this regard has been approved by the Chhatisa Nijog, a body of servitor associations, to enhance the darshan experience of worshippers. Moves are afoot to instal ACs in the Natamandap, which faces the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, according to SJTA’s chief administrator Arabinda Padhee,
Stating that the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC) is finalising the design for the project, he said the priority is to streamline the darshan system and ensure the convenience of devotees.
At least six queues would be introduced in the AC Natamandap, specially for women, elderly and differently-abled devotees. Collapsible wooden barricades would be installed for smooth movement of devotees, the SJTA chief said.
As part of measures to provide a better view of the deities, an elevated ramp is proposed be constructed in the Natamandap. The SJTA plans to introduce the AC darshan system after the holy month of Kartika
The barricades and ramps will be provided at the temple under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme.
As per the discussion during the meeting, the devotees will enter through ‘Sata Pahacha’ and exit through the ‘Ghanti Dwara’, Padhee added.
According to Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, the authorities have already received the prototypes and work will begin after completion of the tender process. Suggestions will be obtained from the servitors so that the rituals of the holy Trinity are not affected due to the work.