Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is contemplating to start an online booking system to facilitate darshan by devotees, informed temple managing committee member, Ramchandra Das Mohapatra.
The decision is likely to benefit lakhs of devotees who are now unable to get a glimpse of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra due to COVID-19 restrictions.
However, sources said that such a step has come as a personal suggestion from a senior servitor and the same is yet to be confirmed by official sources.
Earlier, temple managing committee member, Ramchandra Das Mohapatra informed that a blue print for online registration for darshan by devotees is being discussed and it will be finalized soon.
“The facility will be applicable for Puri residents and will be extended to devotees of other districts and outside. The devotees will be allowed after they submit necessary documents, identity proof etc. As holy month of Kartik is approaching, the new system will facilitate darshan of the deities at Puri Srimandir,” said Das Mohapatra.
As per Das Mohapatra, the dates and timings will be notified to devotees so that they can have darshan with all COVID-19 restrictions.
“We hope that Odisha government, SJTA and Puri Collector will take appropriate decision in this regard soon,” Das Mohapatra added.
After temple managing committee member, Ramchandra Das Mohapatra informed about plans of online booking for darshan at Puri Srimandir, administrator (rituals) of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), termed it as rumours and refuted any discussions on the matter.
(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)
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