Puri: Devotees visiting the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri can now look forward to a more comfortable darshan, with the temple administration installing air conditioners (ACs) in the Nata Mandap, one of the key areas where devotees wait for a glimpse of the deities.
The facility became operational on Monday and is expected to provide much-needed relief to devotees who often have to stand in long queues for hours, particularly during the hot and humid summer months.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said the new facility would improve the comfort of worshippers waiting for darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee said the initiative was aimed at easing the difficulties faced by devotees, especially during the summer.
“Some years ago, ACs were installed in the Jagamohan (audience hall), a darshan space facing the sanctum sanctorum. With the new installation in the Nata Mandap (dancing hall), adjacent to the Jagamohan, devotees will find it far more convenient,” Padhee said.
The Nata Mandap is an important part of the temple complex and is located next to the Jagamohan. Devotees use the area as a darshan space while seeking a glimpse of the presiding deities.
The proposal to install ACs in the Nata Mandap was approved by the SJTA in October 2024. The facility has now been made available for devotees.
The move has been welcomed by devotees, who said the provision of air-conditioning would make the darshan experience more comfortable, particularly during periods of intense heat.
With the temple witnessing a large number of devotees throughout the year, the administration’s latest initiative is expected to provide relief to worshippers who spend considerable time waiting for darshan.
