Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee Holds First Meeting, Announces Key Reforms

Puri: The first meeting of the newly reconstituted Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee was held in Puri, where several important decisions were taken to strengthen governance, enhance devotee facilities, and protect the temple’s age-old traditions and assets.

The meeting began with confirmation of minutes from the previous high-level committee session and a formal welcome to new members. In a significant step, 14 sub-committees were constituted to oversee different aspects of temple administration.

For the first time, a dedicated Security Sub-Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Girish Murmu, with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and sevayat representatives as members. Other key panels include the Finance Committee, Treasury Committee, Appeal Sub-Committee, Sevayat Welfare Committee (headed by the District Collector), Land Sub-Committee (chaired by the Chief Administrator), Research and Publication Sub-Committee, Project Cultural Sub-Committee (chaired by the Gajapati Maharaja), and the Temple Pension Trust Board Sub-Committee. A Law Sub-Committee has also been set up to propose amendments to the Shree Jagannath Temple Act and safeguard temple properties.

On improving the devotee experience, the committee discussed introducing a queue-based darshan system at Natamandap. The District Collector, SP, sevayat representatives, OBCC, and ASI will review the system, ensuring rituals remain unaffected. It will first be implemented on a trial basis with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The ASI has already approved air-conditioning at Natamandap.

The committee further approved construction of a ramp at the northern gate to aid differently-abled devotees, along with plans to establish a breastfeeding room inside the premises.

Extensive discussions were also held on ISKCON’s untimely Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra and its use of the term “Jagannath Dham” for Digha. Expressing strong displeasure, the committee resolved that Gajapati Maharaja will issue a press release on September 6, after which the matter will be forwarded to ISKCON’s governing body. The panel reaffirmed that misuse of the sacred term “Jagannath Dham” will not be permitted.

Additionally, the managing committee approved the symbolic inclusion of a chariot wheel in the new Parliament building, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of Lord Jagannath.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee said the series of reforms reflects the temple administration’s commitment to balancing tradition, security, and convenience for devotees.