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.