The newly constituted Srimandir Management Committee convened its first meeting today under the chairmanship of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
Key officials including Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, SP Prateek Singh, and other committee members were in attendance.
The meeting began with a formal welcome to the new members and a review of the previous high-level committee proceedings. Following deliberations, Dr. Padhee announced the formation of 14 specialized sub-committees, including those for finance, temple rituals, Ratna Bhandar (treasury), appeals, and—for the first time—temple security. Girish Murmu will head the security sub-committee, with the Collector, SP, and servitor representatives as members.
Other notable sub-committees include:
Jagannath Philosophy & Publication
Servitor Welfare
Land Management
Cultural Projects
Temple Pension Trust Board
Legal Affairs (to propose amendments to the Jagannath Temple Act)
SOP Committee for differently-abled access via northern gate
A major highlight was the discussion on implementing queue-based darshan at the Natamandap. Officials from OBCC, ASI, and servitor representatives will conduct a review to ensure the system does not disrupt temple traditions. ASI has approved air-conditioning for the Natamandap, and an SOP is being drafted for phased implementation.
The committee also expressed concern over ISKCON’s unauthorized Rath Yatra and use of the term “Jagannath Dham” in Digha. A press release from the Gajapati Maharaja is expected on September 6. Discussions were also held regarding the installation of a replica Rath wheel at Parliament House and the operational status of the temple’s maternity feeding center.
This meeting marks a significant step toward structured governance and preservation of Srimandir’s sanctity and heritage.
