The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has announced plans to install a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system at the Natamandap of the 12th-century shrine.
The project, estimated at Rs 74 lakh, aims to provide a more comfortable darshan experience for devotees by reducing heat and humidity inside the temple.
Officials confirmed that the bidding process for the project concluded recently, and installation will begin soon. The Natamandap, located in front of the sanctum sanctorum, often becomes crowded during peak hours, making the environment uncomfortable for worshippers. The VRF system will regulate temperature and airflow, ensuring seamless darshan even during the summer months.
SJTA stated that the initiative reflects its commitment to improving facilities for devotees while preserving the sanctity of the temple. “Our motive is to enhance the darshan experience of the devotees,” officials said, highlighting that the cooling system will directly benefit thousands of visitors daily.
The temple administration also reiterated its plan to introduce the dhadi (queue) system at the Natamandap. Initially, the queue system will be launched on an experimental basis before full-scale implementation. Authorities believe that combining the VRF system with structured queue management will improve crowd control and devotee satisfaction.
