The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and the Odisha Government have taken several important decisions concerning Lord Jagannath and the management of the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri. The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has approved the construction of a new golden attire set for the deities and the reopening of the historic Gundicha Temple for devotees.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the temple managing committee, where several issues related to temple administration, devotees, servitors and conservation were discussed.
New Golden Attire Set for Lord Jagannath
The temple administration will construct a new set of golden ornaments for the deities, replacing the existing old set.
According to the decision, the new ornaments will be prepared using photographs, videos and digital documentation compiled during the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar as reference material. An experienced and specialised agency will be entrusted with the task.
The new set will be prepared while maintaining the traditional designs, prescribed weight and religious authenticity associated with the ornaments of Lord Jagannath and the other deities.
Gundicha Temple to Reopen on September 30
The Gundicha Temple, which has remained closed to devotees for several years, will reopen on September 30.
Devotees will be allowed free entry for the first three days following the reopening. Thereafter, visitors will be required to pay an entry fee of Rs 10.
According to Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Aravind Padhee, the temple will remain open for devotees from 6 am to 5 pm. Senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities will be allowed free entry.
Special Darshan Facility for Puri Residents
The managing committee also discussed arrangements for providing special darshan facilities to residents of Puri.
As part of the proposed system, Aadhaar cards of local residents will be verified and devotees will be allotted specific time slots through a slot-booking system to facilitate darshan at the temple.
Adarsha Gurukul Construction Underway
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Adarsha Gurukul project for servitors.
Construction work has already begun, with the project boundary expected to extend over around 1,300 metres. Around 800 metres of boundary wall construction has reportedly been completed.
The Gurukul complex is planned to include a school, temple, playground, modern auditorium and hostel facilities.
The Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) has been entrusted with the construction work. A decision has also been taken to conduct the foundation-laying ceremony in the presence of the Chief Minister, the Law Minister and the Gajapati Maharaja.
Servitors’ Housing and Jagannath Land Management
The committee also discussed the Servitors’ Housing Scheme and the implementation of the Sri Jagannath Land Management Act, 2026.
Work is underway on an online portal related to the Act to facilitate management and related services.
The committee also reviewed matters concerning research, publication and promotion of Jagannath philosophy and culture.
Committee to Address Incorrect Information
The meeting discussed measures to address the presentation of information about Lord Jagannath that the temple administration considers inaccurate or inconsistent with established traditions.
A sub-committee headed by the Gajapati Maharaja will examine such matters and, if necessary, travel to Delhi to take up issues with relevant institutions, Chief Administrator Aravind Padhee said.
ASI DG Reviews Conservation Work
Meanwhile, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat visited the Shree Jagannath Temple and offered prayers.
After meeting the Chief Administrator at the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration office, the ASI DG spoke about the conservation and maintenance of the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Konark Sun Temple.
The decisions on a new golden attire set for Lord Jagannath, reopening of the Gundicha Temple and special darshan arrangements for Puri residents are among the key outcomes of the latest managing committee meeting.