BHUBANESHWAR: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has prepared a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the inventory and valuation of valuables kept in the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple. The draft SOP will shortly be placed before the Ratna Bhandar sub-committee and the Odisha government–constituted high-level committee for deliberation. After approval by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, it will be forwarded to the state government for final clearance, following which the inventory process will be undertaken in a phased and systematic manner.
Rituals and Devotees’ Darshan to Remain Unaffected
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee said the entire exercise would be conducted strictly in accordance with established religious traditions and administrative norms. He assured that all necessary precautions would be taken to ensure that none of the rituals of Lord Jagannath are affected and that devotees’ darshan remains uninterrupted. Dr Padhee shared these details during meetings of the Niti Sub-Committee and the Chhatisa Nijog.
Ease of Darshan for Puri Residents
The meetings also discussed measures to facilitate easier darshan for local residents of Puri. However, a final decision could not be taken due to the absence of the district collector and superintendent of police. Dr Padhee said proposals have been sought from both officials, and the issue will be discussed further in the Managing Committee after their inputs are received.
Darshan Arrangements at Gundicha Temple
The committees expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for devotees’ darshan at the Gundicha Temple, which have also received the support of the servitors. As per the plan, devotees will be allowed darshan of the Abirbhav Bedi (appearance altar), though entry into the sanctum sanctorum will remain prohibited. These arrangements will be implemented after the completion of ongoing conservation work.
Facilities and Exemptions for Devotees
Under the proposed system, no tickets will be required for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children. Free facilities for depositing footwear and mobile phones will be provided outside the temple premises. A comprehensive SOP covering these arrangements has been prepared and will be implemented after review and approval by senior servitors.
Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities
The meetings also focused on framing guidelines for darshan by persons with disabilities. Dr Padhee said a draft guideline has been prepared with inputs from Managing Committee members and senior servitors. Further consultations will be held with various sevayat groups, including pushpalaks, pujaris and tadau karans. While the guidelines have received in-principle approval, they are not final. Suggestions will be sought on issues such as the movement of wheelchair-bound or chair-bound devotees and whether such arrangements may impact temple rituals and traditions. The final decision will be taken by the Managing Committee.
Approval of Pahili Bhoga Rituals
Meanwhile, the Chhatisa Nijog meeting approved the schedule for Pahili Bhoga rituals at the Srimandir during the Dhanurmasa period, from December 16 to January 13. As per the decision, Pahili Bhoga will be offered between 5.30 am and 6 am. The Dwaraphita ritual will be conducted at 2 am, while Pahuda will be observed at 11 pm.
Special rituals have also been approved for key occasions. On January 3, the Debabhisheka ritual will be performed along with the rare Suna Besha (golden attire) of the deities. Special rituals will also be conducted on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Crowd Management and Awareness Drive
To ensure smooth crowd management, a sub-committee comprising servitors will oversee arrangements in coordination with the temple administration, district administration and volunteers. Separate darshan arrangements have been approved for persons with disabilities, who will be allowed entry through the northern gate. Discussions were also held on facilitating orderly darshan for Puri residents.
Dr Padhee said the SJTA will undertake widespread awareness campaigns to sensitise devotees about maintaining decorum, including wearing decent attire.
The meetings were attended by the Additional Collector, Additional Superintendent of Police, representatives of the Chhatisa Nijog, members of the Shrimandir Managing Committee, other administrative officials, and servitors from various nijogs.
