Special Darshan Facility for Elderly and Divyang Devotees at Srimandir

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has taken steps to facilitate hassle-free darshan for elderly and Divyang devotees at Srimandir in Puri.

As part of the initiative, a ramp and railing have already been constructed from the Gumuta of the North Gate of Srimandir up to the Kurma Bedha. Specially trained volunteers will also be deployed to assist elderly and Divyang devotees during their visit to the temple.

The volunteers will help devotees navigate the temple premises and facilitate their movement up to the Natamandap or Jagamohan, depending on their requirements.

Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Dr Aravind Kumar Padhee said the temple administration is preparing an online system and a mobile application through which devotees can avail themselves of the special facility.

During the initial trial phase, the facility will be available to 50 elderly and Divyang devotees per day through the online and mobile application-based system.

A proposal to engage volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society and St John Ambulance has also been discussed at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Governor of Odisha. In this regard, the Chief Administrator has written to the Puri Collector, who is also the Chairman of the District Red Cross Society, requesting the deployment of adequately trained volunteers.

The initiative has been introduced keeping in view the difficulties faced by elderly and Divyang devotees while visiting Srimandir. It is expected to make darshan more convenient, particularly for devotees who face difficulty in walking or navigating crowded areas.

Dr Padhee said ensuring that all devotees can have a smooth and orderly darshan of the Chaturdha Murti remains a priority of the temple administration.

Meanwhile, the Shree Gundicha Temple was opened to the public on an auspicious occasion on Wednesday. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, district administration and police administration have made necessary arrangements at the temple premises for the convenience of devotees and to ensure orderly darshan.

Special facilities have also been ensured at Shree Gundicha Temple for elderly and Divyang devotees. These include free darshan, wheelchairs, volunteers and a ramp at the Natamandap, among other arrangements.

The measures are aimed at making temple visits more accessible and convenient for elderly and Divyang devotees while ensuring a smooth and disciplined darshan experience.