Puri, Oct. 1 (UDN): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has introduced special arrangements at the northern gate of Srimandir to make darshan more accessible and convenient for elderly and differently-abled devotees.
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A ramp and railing connecting the northern gate Gumuta to the Kurma Bedha have already been completed as part of the initiative. Specially trained volunteers will assist eligible devotees and help them proceed towards the Natamandap or Jagamohan for darshan.
Online Booking Facility in the Works
Srimandir Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee said an online and mobile-based application is being developed to facilitate access to the service.
During the initial pilot phase, the facility is expected to accommodate 50 elderly and differently-abled devotees every day, with beneficiaries able to avail themselves of the service through the digital platform.
Trained Volunteers to Assist Devotees
The temple administration is also working to strengthen the volunteer support system. Discussions were held under the chairmanship of the Governor of Odisha regarding the possible involvement of trained volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance.
Dr. Padhee has written to the Puri Collector and President of the District Red Cross Society seeking deployment of trained volunteers for the initiative.
The Chief Administrator said ensuring a peaceful, orderly and accessible darshan for all devotees remains a key priority of the temple administration.
Gundicha Temple Opens for Devotees
Meanwhile, the Shree Gundicha Temple was opened to the public on Wednesday at an auspicious time.
The temple administration, district administration and police have put necessary arrangements in place at the Gundicha Temple premises to facilitate smooth movement and orderly darshan for devotees.
