Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has made special arrangements at the temple’s north gate to facilitate hassle-free darshan for elderly and divyang devotees.
A ramp and railing have been constructed to make movement easier for devotees with mobility difficulties. Trained volunteers will also be deployed to assist elderly and divyang devotees and help them reach the Natamandap or Jagamohan for darshan.
According to Chief Administrator of SJTA Arabinda Kumar Padhee, a mobile application is being developed through which eligible devotees can access the special darshan facility. During the initial trial phase, the facility will be available to 50 elderly and divyang devotees per day through online registration and the mobile application.
The administration is also planning to engage trained volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society and St John Ambulance. A letter has been sent to the Puri Collector and Chairman of the District Red Cross Society seeking the required trained volunteers.
Similar darshan facilities have also been arranged at the Shree Gundicha Temple, which was reopened to the public on September 30. At the Gundicha Temple, elderly and divyang devotees will be provided free darshan facilities along with wheelchairs, volunteer assistance and a ramp at the Natamandap.