Puri Jagannath darshan: Separate queue system likely from February 1

Due to unavoidable circumstances, implementation of the separate queue system (Dhadi Darshan), meant for men and women devotees coming to Jagannath temple in Puri for darshan of the deities, has been delayed and it is very likely to begin on February 1, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Friday.

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According to sources, the queue-based system for Darshan of the Holy Trinity would, at best, start from February 1. Implementation of the new system has been delayed due to the necessary relocation of the temple’s traditional donation box, referred to as ‘Hundi’.

This relocation requires several approvals before proceeding. Once these approvals are in place, the infrastructure required for the ‘Dadhi Darshan’ system will be erected.

“The implementation of the queue system is getting delayed. In fact, we need to shift the Hundi to elsewhere to accommodate the proposed structures for the Dhadi Darshan. Permissions are required for the shifting, which is taking time,” the Law Minister stated.

“After obtaining the requisite permissions, we will proceed to the next phase. Then only the structures can be erected. Hence, the ‘queue system’, what I feel, would be implemented after around a week or at best on February 1,” the Law Minister asserted.

Worth mentioning, the trial run of the new arrangement for Dhadi Darshan at Jagannath temple was previously scheduled to commence on January 20. The temple administration had announced its plans to implement separate queue systems for devotees.

In addition to the Darshan arrangements, plans are afoot to make Mahaprasad available to devotees coming to the shrine at an approximate price of Rs 100.

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Law Minister Harichandan had also highlighted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been directed to complete the repairs of the Srimandir ‘Ratna Bhandar’ (the Lord’s treasure trove) within three months.

“We are also discussing making Mahaprasad ‘reasonably priced’ for devotees and we will implement new norms in this regard soon. At least devotees coming to the shrine will have Mahaprasad after darshan of the sibling deities,” the Law Minister had added.