Puri: The Puri Jagannath Temple is set to undergo significant upgrades to enhance devotee experience while maintaining its cultural integrity, following high-level discussions in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee, met Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) director general Y S Rawat to discuss comprehensive development plans for the 12th century shrine. The meeting outlined several modernisation initiatives, including the installation of ACs in the Nata Mandap and improved lighting throughout the temple complex.
“These improvements aim to provide devotees with a more comfortable darshan,” said a temple administration spokesperson. “The renovation plans also include silver and gold plating of various temple sections, while ensuring the shrine’s cultural heritage remains untouched.”
The discussions, also attended by ASI additional DG J Sharma, covered the renovation of side temples and the ongoing Ratna Bhandar (treasury) preservation work. Padhee emphasised the importance of timely completion of these projects and expressed gratitude for ASI’s technical support.
In a separate meeting with ministry of culture officials, Padhee discussed the potential inclusion of the temple’s Rath Yatra in the Unesco cultural heritage list.
The temple administration assured that all modernisation efforts would be implemented with strict adherence to heritage conservation guidelines.