Ramp for divyang, elderly devotees in Jagannath temple in next 4 months!

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has been erecting ramps to facilitate smooth Darshan of the deities by divyangs and elderly devotees. The new facility will be available in the next four months, an affidavit filed by the SJTA with Orissa High Court revealed on Thursday.

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The ongoing renovations around Jagannath temple in Puri have yet to substantially enhance the accessibility for differently-abled devotees coming to the shrine for Darshan.

According to sources, despite efforts to transform the temple surroundings, many devotees with physical disabilities still face significant challenges in experiencing a fulfilling Darshan (viewing) of the Holy Trinity.

Visitors, particularly those who are disabled or elderly, have expressed discontent, often enduring waiting periods under the harsh sun without adequate facilities.

In 2019, the Supreme Court mandated comprehensive arrangements for the disabled to access the temple. However, delays in implementation have persisted, leaving many devotees disgruntled.

Provisions for wheelchair access soon

The Chief Administrator of Puri Jagannath temple has promised improvements, stating that soon there will be provisions for wheelchair access, allowing these devotees to visually engage with the deities from within the temple.

Currently, the temple lacks specific arrangements for disabled or senior citizens. Those in wheelchairs can only catch a glimpse of Patitapaban, a form of the deity visible from outside the shrine.

Devotees have urged the State government to introduce a ramp leading to the temple's northern entrance, ensuring equitable Darshan experiences.

Progress is being made towards accommodating wheelchairs, with an affidavit submitted to Orissa High Court detailing plans for better accessibility. While work is nearly complete, it is expected that another four months will be necessary to finalise these solutions.

Meanwhile, improvements to the Natamandir and its nearby areas remain stalled. Although some constructions, such as wooden barricades, have already been completed, proper access routes are still unavailable.

The Chief Administrator mentioned that efforts are underway to prepare ramps that will soon become operational. Furthermore, a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is set to be introduced, designed to streamline the Darshan process for disabled visitors.

Following the creation of numerous committees and management unions, approvals from the State government are needed before implementation.

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“We have already floated a tender to construct a ramp at the North Gate (Uttara Dwar) near Kuruma Bedha. Discussions will be held with Chhatisa Nijog and the to-be-formed Managing Committee in this regard. We have sought the approval of the State government,” the temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee expressed.