In a major step towards ensuring smooth and dignified darshan for the ever-growing number of devotees at the world-famous Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, a high-level meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
The meeting, convened at the Law Department conference hall in Lok Seva Bhawan, focused on implementing a systematic queue-based darshan system. Experts from IIT Bhubaneswar presented multiple models designed to manage the massive influx of pilgrims, especially during holidays and festive seasons when the number of devotees multiplies several times over.
After careful evaluation, officials discussed the most effective model. Once implemented, devotees will enter through five separate ramps in an organized manner. Crowd control will begin right from the seven steps (saat pahacha), ensuring orderly movement into the temple premises. The system is expected to enable 8,000 to 10,000 devotees to complete their darshan every hour.
Additionally, the Natamandap will be equipped with air-conditioning to provide comfort to waiting pilgrims.
Minister Harichandan informed the media that a pilot model of the selected system will be prepared very soon. The Chatisha Niyoga and the Srimandir administration will study its practicality before the full plan is rolled out.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Law Department Principal Secretary Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, Puri SP Prateek Singh, Special Secretary Pranab Kumar Patra, Additional Secretary Shiba Prasad Mohapatra, Works Department Advisor J.K. Das, OBCC Chief Manager Sridhar Rout, technical advisors from IIT Bhubaneswar, and other senior officers.
With global devotion to Lord Jagannath continuing to rise, this initiative aims to transform the darshan experience—making it safer, faster, and more comfortable for every devotee who comes seeking the blessings of Mahaprabhu.
