Srimandir / Puri Jagannath Temple Plans Special Darshan For Divyang Devotees

Puri, Oct 24: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri on Saturday held a meeting to finalise arrangements for special darshan of Divyang (differently-abled) devotees at the Shree Jagannath Temple here in Odisha, officials said.

The meeting discussed online registration, verification, transit routes, safety and emergency arrangements.

The meeting was attended by the Puri district collector, Superintendent of Police, members of the temple managing committee, senior servitors and temple administrative officials. Senior servitors and the temple commander reviewed the proposed arrangements.

Trial run planned

The temple administration is considering a trial run under which 20 differently-abled devotees may be allowed darshan every day. However, the trial is unlikely to begin immediately owing to the heavy rush of devotees during the Kartik month.

Once the arrangements are finalised, differently-abled devotees are likely to get an opportunity for darshan near the Jaya Vijaya Dwar. The administration is also discussing whether wheelchairs should be used or whether devotees should be carried by trained volunteers.

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Frequency of darshan

Under the proposed system, a differently-abled devotee may be able to avail special darshan twice a year, with a gap of six months between two visits. The temple administration has suggested that devotees book online and select a suitable date for darshan.

The SJTA has already developed a ramp and railing from the North Gate to Kurma Bedha to facilitate movement of elderly and differently-abled devotees. Trained volunteers are expected to assist eligible devotees during the darshan.