Jagannath Temple Committee Forms Sub-Committees for Security and Queue System

The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) convened on September 6, 2023, in Puri to establish new sub-committees aimed at enhancing the temple’s security and implementing a queue system for devotees. The meeting, presided over by Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb, addressed recent security breaches at the historic 12th-century shrine, prompting the formation of a dedicated sub-committee.

Leading this sub-committee on security will be Girish Chandra Murmu, a former Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. His role will involve proposing comprehensive measures to safeguard the temple, which has faced scrutiny from intelligence agencies regarding potential threats from extremist groups. Murmu’s team will consist of local officials, including the Puri Collector and the Superintendent of Police, along with temple servitors. According to Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the sub-committee may expand its membership as needed to fulfill its objectives.

Implementation of Queue System

In addition to security measures, the SJTMC has also established a sub-committee tasked with implementing the ‘Dhadi darshan’ queue system at the Natamandap, the inner sanctum area of the temple. This initiative aims to streamline the darshan experience for thousands of devotees who visit the shrine daily. Padhee noted that the managing committee has approved a pilot implementation of this queue system, with preparations underway to launch it by September 15, 2023.

A nine-member committee, led by the Puri Collector, will evaluate the plan’s various aspects, ensuring that the installation of ramps and barricades does not disrupt ongoing rituals. This committee will also draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the effective execution of the queue system, emphasizing the need for accessibility for elderly visitors and those with disabilities.

The SJTA has received permission from the Archaeological Survey of India to install air conditioning in the Nata Mandapa, which is expected to enhance the comfort of devotees and visitors.

Broader Governance and Administrative Changes

The SJTMC has formed a total of 14 sub-committees, including four statutory groups focusing on finance, rituals, Ratna Bhandar, and appeals to provide guidance on governance and administration. Among these is a sub-committee dedicated to the welfare of temple servitors and another for cultural preservation, which will oversee the artistic carvings within the temple.

Padhee further elaborated that new measures are in place for the protection of temple land, with prominent legal experts appointed to amend the Sri Jagannath Temple Act of 1955. A Niti Coordination Committee has also been established, focusing on administrative efficiency.

The meeting also addressed ongoing concerns regarding the timing of the ISKCON Rath Yatra, expressing dissatisfaction with the use of the term “Jagannath Dham” in Digha. A press conference is scheduled for September 6, during which the Gajapati Maharaja will clarify the committee’s stance and outline future directives.

Additionally, discussions were held concerning the placement of the wheels of the Puri Chariots in Parliament House, as well as the operation of a breastfeeding center within the temple premises.

These initiatives reflect the SJTMC’s commitment to improving temple management while ensuring the safety and convenience of all devotees visiting this revered site.