
Kotpad 1st February 2025 As the summer season approaches, devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple often face extreme heat while standing in long queues for darshan. The intense heat causes discomfort and inconvenience. To mitigate these issues before the summer begins, the Shri Jagannath Temple and district administration have started extensive preparations to protect devotees from the scorching heat.
To prevent devotees’ feet from burning due to the extreme heat, carpets will be laid from Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the temple entrance. Additionally, arrangements will be made for shade, drinking water, fans, and water sprinkling on devotees. Information centers will also be set up at all four gates of the temple to assist devotees. Currently, only one information center is available at Singhadwara (Lion Gate), causing difficulties for devotees. Hence, three additional centers will be established at the other gates.
The Puri District Collector, Siddharth Shankar Swain, stated:
“Devotees should not face any inconvenience due to the summer heat. This year, several measures will be taken, including laying carpets, water sprinkling, shade arrangements, fans, and drinking water facilities. Discussions have been held on strengthening the sound system and setting up information boards at all four temple gates.”
The Puri District Collector also responded to the viral video incident inside the temple. He emphasized:
“Bringing mobile phones inside the Shri Jagannath Temple is strictly prohibited. Any individual violating this rule will face strict action. A police case has been registered regarding the viral video of the temple’s inner sanctum, and an investigation is underway. Anyone found involved will face severe consequences. Awareness campaigns are being conducted around the temple premises to remind visitors not to carry mobile phones inside.”