Bhubaneswar: The newly constituted Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee has taken a significant step towards improving the pilgrimage experience by approving the pilot implementation of Dhadi Darshan, a queue-based darshan system, at the shrine’s Natamandap, the inner sanctum of the 12th-century temple in Puri, Odisha. The decision was made during the committee’s first meeting held on Wednesday at the Neeladri Bhakta Nivas conference hall, Puri .
The session, chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, focused on streamlining temple administration, ensuring the smooth conduct of rituals, and enhancing the overall experience for devotees. At the outset, the newly appointed members of the Managing Committee were formally welcomed. The discussions revolved around critical issues such as the formation of sub-committees, the implementation of the queue system, and the management of valuables in the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s treasury.
A total of 14 sub-committees were formed to oversee various aspects of temple operations. These include committees on temple security, research, publications, servitor welfare, finance, policy, Ratna Bhandar, and appeals. Among them, four sub-committees are statutory in nature, handling finance, temple rituals, Ratna Bhandar, and appeals. Prominent appointments include Girish Chandra Murmu, who has been named head of the sub-committee on security.
To supervise the implementation of Dhadi Darshan, a nine-member committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Puri District Collector. The committee is tasked with assessing the plan from all angles and holding detailed discussions with relevant stakeholders, including sevayats and Nijogs, who have raised concerns over the potential loss of income due to the new system. The focus will be on installing ramps and barricades in a manner that does not interfere with temple rituals.
Speaking to the media, SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee stated, “The Managing Committee has approved the proposed queue system on a trial basis. A standard operating procedure (SOP) will be finalized to guide its implementation. While I cannot provide the exact date for its commencement, the SOP will pave the way for Dhadi Darshan at the Natamandap, which will also be air-conditioned following approval from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).”
The meeting also addressed logistical issues related to the implementation of the queue system. Among them was the relocation of the hundi (donation box) from the Jagamohan area to facilitate the smooth flow of devotees. Preparations for the pilot Dhadi Darshan aim to streamline the movement of pilgrims and reduce congestion, particularly during festival seasons.
Another key agenda item was the management and verification of valuables in the temple’s treasury. The committee is set to undertake a detailed inventory process to ensure proper administration and accountability of the Ratna Bhandar.
Officials present at the meeting included SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Puri District Collector Shri Dibya Jyoti Parida, and Superintendent of Police Shri Prateek Singh, who provided insights on administrative and security aspects. Their inputs are expected to contribute to a more organized and secure pilgrimage experience.
Last month, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the queue system would be operational from September 15. However, its implementation had been pending since January due to the absence of a constituted managing committee, which is required to approve changes such as the removal of the hundi from Natamandap.
