Puri Jagannath Temple queue darshan likely to begin in Margashira

Puri, Nov 12: The proposed queue-based darshan system at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri may undergo trial testing during the holy month of Margashira, with the focus on ensuring a smooth and organised darshan experience for devotees. However, uncertainty continues over the installation of a wooden ramp inside the temple's Natamandap as its design is yet to receive approval from the temple management committee.

The proposed wooden ramp is intended to improve crowd management and reduce pushing and overcrowding inside the Natamandap, where devotees often face difficulties during darshan.

According to reports, the ramp design has already undergone three revisions, and a fourth modification has now been proposed following objections raised by members of the temple management committee and representatives of servitor organisations.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) was entrusted with preparing the design for the proposed wooden ramp inside the Natamandap. However, the latest design reportedly included steps, which raised concerns among members of the temple management committee and servitor representatives.

They believe that the steps could create difficulties for devotees and may not be suitable for the temple's existing structure and darshan arrangements. The management committee has therefore suggested further modifications to the design. The final construction will begin only after the revised plan receives the necessary approval.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has indicated that the proposed changes will be incorporated into the ramp design based on the suggestions received. He has stated that trial testing of the queue darshan system is expected during Margashira, subject to the completion of the necessary modifications.

However, a temple management committee member has reportedly expressed uncertainty over whether the revised ramp will be ready for installation during the proposed period.

Senior servitors have raised concerns about installing a permanent or temporary wooden ramp inside the Natamandap, citing the temple's extensive daily rituals and traditional practices.

The Shree Jagannath Temple follows several daily rituals, beginning with Mangal Alati, followed by various offerings and ceremonies, including Gopala Ballabha, Sakala Dhupa, Madhyahna Dhupa, Sandhya Dhupa and Badasinghara. Special rituals, Chandan Lagi, Garuda Snana and other ceremonial activities also require adequate space and uninterrupted movement inside the temple.

According to senior servitors, darshan remains suspended for nearly eight hours during various daily rituals, during which the Natamandap area needs to remain accessible for religious activities. They have pointed out that installing and removing the wooden ramp could take approximately 30 minutes, apart from the additional time required to clear devotees from the area.

This could lead to long queues outside the temple, increased congestion inside the premises and possible delays in the performance of daily rituals. The difficulties could become more serious on special occasions and important religious days when the number of devotees visiting the temple increases significantly.

Despite the concerns surrounding the ramp design, devotees have urged the authorities to introduce the queue-based darshan system as soon as possible.

Many devotees reportedly face difficulties due to heavy crowds and pushing inside the Natamandap while seeking darshan of Lord Jagannath. They believe that an organised queue system would improve crowd management and provide a more comfortable darshan experience, particularly for elderly devotees, women and children.

With the proposed ramp design undergoing another revision, the final decision on its installation remains pending.