Devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri are set to enjoy a more comfortable darshan experience as the temple administration has begun the trial run of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning system inside the Natamandap. The energy-efficient cooling system became operational on a trial basis from Thursday and is expected to provide relief from heat and humidity during peak pilgrimage hours.

Puri Collector and Deputy Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Divyajyoti Parida, said necessary modifications would be carried out based on feedback from servitors (Sevayats) during the trial period.

Installed at an estimated cost of ₹73.44 lakh, the VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system is designed to efficiently cool the Natamandap while consuming around 30% less electricity than conventional air-conditioning systems. The outdoor units have been mounted on stainless steel structures, ensuring durability and compatibility with the temple premises.

The advanced cooling technology is capable of maintaining comfortable temperatures across multiple sections of the hall, offering devotees relief from the intense heat and humidity, particularly during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons when the temple witnesses massive crowds.

Relief for Devotees During Peak Rush

During the summer months and on days of heavy footfall, many devotees experience discomfort due to overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the Natamandap. In several instances, pilgrims have reportedly suffered breathing difficulties and fainting spells, raising concerns over crowd safety.

The newly installed VRF system is expected to significantly improve ventilation and reduce heat stress, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for devotees waiting for darshan.

IIT Bhubaneswar to Prepare Queue Management Design

In another major initiative, the temple administration has entrusted Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar with preparing a drawing and design for a scientific queue management system aimed at ensuring orderly darshan inside the temple.

According to the district administration, IIT Bhubaneswar will soon submit the proposed design. After consultations with temple servitors and other stakeholders, the administration will implement a structured queue system to improve crowd movement and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.

Officials said the air-conditioning project marks the first step toward improving facilities for devotees, while the proposed queue management plan is expected to streamline darshan arrangements in the near future.

The successful trial run of the VRF system has been welcomed by temple servitors, who also urged the administration to expedite the implementation of the long-pending organised queue system for devotees. With the cooling system now undergoing testing, attention has shifted to when the new darshan management plan will be rolled out at the 12th-century shrine.

After remaining away from public view for 15 days during the sacred Anasara period, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra reappeared before devotees on Wednesday in their divine Nabajouban Besha (Youthful Form) at the Shree Jagannath Temple, drawing massive crowds to Puri ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

According to temple tradition, the deities are believed to fall ill after receiving the ceremonial bathing ritual during Snana Purnima, when they are bathed with 108 pots of holy water. During the ensuing 15-day Anasara period, the deities remain in seclusion while Daita servitors perform secret rituals, offer herbal treatment and conduct special services to restore their health.

Following the completion of these rituals and the Srimukha Sringara ceremony on Dashami Tithi, the sibling deities were adorned in the Nabajouban Besha, symbolising their return to perfect health and youthful appearance.

As the doors of the temple opened at sunrise, thousands of devotees eagerly waited to witness the first glimpse of the deities in their rejuvenated form. The temple premises echoed with chants of “Hari Bol” and devotional hymns as worshippers considered themselves blessed after receiving the rare darshan.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the Nabajouban Darshan. Extensive security measures and crowd management systems were put in place by the administration and police to facilitate orderly darshan for the large number of pilgrims.

Devotees believe that witnessing the Nabajouban Darshan before Rath Yatra brings spiritual merit and washes away sins, making it one of the most significant rituals in the annual festival calendar.

The Nabajouban Darshan also marks the final opportunity to see the deities on the Ratna Singhasan before they leave the sanctum for the world-famous Rath Yatra. From Thursday, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will embark on their nine-day chariot journey to the Gundicha Temple.

With Puri fully decked up for the grand festival, the divine appearance of the deities has filled devotees with renewed faith and enthusiasm as the holy city prepares for one of the world’s largest religious processions.

The Odisha Government has issued comprehensive directions to strengthen the protection, documentation and management of land belonging to Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri, making the safeguarding of the deity’s properties a top administrative priority across the state.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has instructed all revenue authorities to take immediate steps to protect temple land and ensure the prompt disposal of pending land-related cases.

Revenue Secretary Issues Statewide Directives

In a letter addressed to the Board of Revenue, all Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs), District Collectors and the Director of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS), Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, directed officials to act on a priority basis.

Dr. Padhee said the protection of Lord Jagannath’s land is a collective responsibility and emphasized that the deity’s properties are an important part of Odisha’s heritage. He instructed officials to strictly follow the law, government guidelines, court orders and directions issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) while dealing with temple land matters.

Over 11,600 Revenue Cases to Be Expedited

The department has directed officials to ensure the speedy disposal of 11,675 miscellaneous revenue cases filed by the SJTA across various tehsils in Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Ganjam, Cuttack and Kendrapara districts.

Officials have also been instructed to immediately implement orders passed by the Board of Revenue in 257 cases filed by the SJTA under Section 7(A) of the Odisha Estates Abolition Act.

Verification of Historic Land Records

The government has ordered officials to verify historical land records, including the 1927–28 Record of Rights (RoR), wherever required, to correct land ownership records.

Authorities have also been directed to examine earlier revenue records from 1888–89, 1925–26, 1927–28, 1929–30 and 1977–78 to ensure that all temple properties are accurately recorded in accordance with the law.

Certified copies of old and current Records of Rights, along with settlement records and land reconciliation reports, will also be provided to the SJTA to facilitate effective handling of cases before the Board of Revenue.

Strict Vigilance Against Encroachment

The Revenue Department has instructed field officials, including Revenue Inspectors, Amins and other experienced survey personnel, to identify, verify and safeguard temple land through regular field inspections.

Officials have been asked to maintain strict vigilance against illegal encroachments, unauthorized occupation, fraudulent claims and attempts to create private interests over temple land.

Monthly Review and Progress Reports

The department has directed that matters related to Lord Jagannath’s land be reviewed on a priority basis during monthly revenue meetings at the district, sub-division and tehsil levels.

District administrations will also be required to submit monthly progress reports to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on the status of revenue cases and protection measures.

The Odisha Government said the initiative aims to ensure the legal protection, preservation and proper management of Lord Jagannath’s land assets, safeguard temple properties from encroachment, and reduce unnecessary litigation through coordinated administrative action.