Puri: The state government is planning to construct an air-conditioned (AC) tunnel outside the Jagannath Temple in Puri to make the darshan process more comfortable and convenient for devotees.
The proposal has been welcomed by servitors and devotees, particularly as the number of visitors to the 12th-century shrine continues to rise. At present, devotees often have to wait for hours in queues inside barricades outside the temple.
During summer, prolonged exposure to scorching heat and high humidity can cause considerable discomfort, with some devotees reportedly fainting. Elderly people, women and children are particularly vulnerable. The proposed AC tunnel is expected to streamline the queue system and provide devotees with a more comfortable waiting area.
The facility is planned to have temperature control, adequate lighting, ventilation and security arrangements. Entry and exit points are also expected to be organised according to the volume of devotees. Seating arrangements and drinking water facilities are also proposed inside the tunnel. With the number of devotees increasing steadily, authorities are focusing on making the queue and darshan system more modern and devotee-friendly.
The Natamandap of the temple was provided with air-conditioning recently. Former Puri municipal chairperson and senior servitor Goura Hari Pradhan said an AC tunnel outside the temple was necessary given the growing number of devotees and the difficulties they face while waiting in the heat and humidity. “Devotees have to wait for long hours in the heat and humidity, which causes them considerable hardship. An AC tunnel outside the temple is therefore necessary,” Pradhan said.
He suggested modifying the tunnel constructed during the previous government to turn it into an AC facility. Servitor Padmanabha Mahasuar also welcomed the proposal, saying devotees often have to endure considerable hardship while waiting for darshan. He said the administration had earlier been urged to provide both AC and non-AC tented facilities for devotees.
Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said a meeting of the temple managing committee would be held September 26, where issues concerning devotees’ convenience and darshan arrangements would be discussed. “The state government is aware of the issues. All aspects will be discussed and necessary facilities will be provided for devotees,” Padhee said.