Puri Srimandir Plans Special Darshan for Divyang Devotees
The Shree Jagannath Temple administration in Puri is preparing a dedicated darshan facility for devotees with disabilities to make their visit to the 12th-century shrine safer and more convenient.
A ramp and railings have already been installed between the Gumuta near the temple’s northern entrance and the Kurma Bedha to improve accessibility. The administration is now working on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative.
Under the proposed system, eligible devotees will be permitted to reach an area near the Bahara Katha, close to the Jaya-Vijaya Dwara, for darshan of Lord Jagannath. Initially, the facility is expected to be tested with around 20 devotees daily. However, the trial will be postponed until after the ongoing Kartik month because of the heavy rush of pilgrims.
A high-level meeting was recently convened to discuss the arrangements, attended by the Puri District Collector, Superintendent of Police, temple managing committee members, senior servitors and administrative officials.
Discussions covered online booking, identity verification, designated movement routes, crowd control, safety measures and emergency response. The committee also offered suggestions regarding registration and darshan scheduling.
Specially trained volunteers will assist Divyang devotees in moving towards the Natamandap or Jagamohan. However, the use of regular wheelchairs inside the temple remains prohibited. Officials are considering alternatives, including specially designed wheelchairs or assistance from attendants, and will take a final decision before launching the facility.
According to the proposed booking rules, a devotee with a disability will be able to avail of the special darshan facility twice a year, with at least six months between visits.
The initiative follows an earlier directive from the Orissa High Court urging the authorities to make appropriate arrangements for orderly and accessible darshan for devotees with disabilities.
