Wheelchair Facility Introduced For ‘Parikrama’ Of Jagannath Temple in Puri; No Entry Inside Now

Puri: In a partial relief, physically challenged and elderly people can now make ‘parikrama’ (going around) of Jagannath temple here on wheelchair, while their demand for the facility to have darshan of the deities inside remains unanswered.

For the convenience of Divyangs and elderly people, 10 wheelchairs were inaugurated in front of Radhaballabha Mutt near the temple. A social organistion, the Centre for Action has donated the wheelchairs for their use free of cost.

“We used to visit Puri frequently and found the difficulties faced by the Divyangs and elderly people while taking the parikrama of the temple. Initially, we have donated 10 wheelchairs for the their benefit and will provide more in future,” said Subhamitra Chaterjee, a members of the NGO.

Radhaballabha Mutt Mahanta Ramakrushna Das, Shri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee member Durga Prasad Dasmohapatra, Madhab Chandra Mohapatra, senior Daitapati Binayak Dasmohapatra and senior police officials were present at the inauguration ceremony.

However, no decision has been taken by the temple or district administration on the main demand of the physically challenged people for having facility to go inside the temple on wheelchair.

“Shri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee is trying to explore a way to enable the Divyangs and elderly people to have darshan of the deities inside the temple. They have also rights to get darshan,” said Binayak Dasmohapatra.

It may be noted that quadriplegic actor from Odisha Jitendra Biswal has been raising the demand since long. Following his request for ramps at sea beach in the Pilgrim Town, it was inaugurated in the second week of August.