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Mobile Phone Usage Restrictions Implemented

Puri: The administration of the Shree Jagannath Temple (SJTA) has announced new restrictions on mobile phone usage for officials, police, and temple servitors.

This decision was made during a meeting of the temple's 'Chhatisa Nijoga' held on Saturday evening.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the chief administrator of SJTA, informed the media that the initial phase of this restriction will apply to temple police and officials, with plans to extend it to servitors in the future.

"In case of emergencies or important communications, officials can use their phones at designated areas," Padhee stated, emphasizing that mobile phone use within the temple premises will not be tolerated.

The temple administration is set to release specific guidelines regarding this policy. Any individual found violating these rules will face disciplinary action, Padhee warned.

Currently, the entry of mobile phones or cameras into the 12th-century temple is entirely prohibited for devotees. However, certain police personnel and servitors are permitted to carry devices for essential communication, according to an official.

Additionally, the 'Chhatisa Nijoga' has decided to trial a queue-based darshan system after the holy Odia month of 'Kartik'.

The meeting also addressed the rituals for the upcoming holy month and discussed plans to request the government to transfer over 500 silver ingots recovered from Emar Mutt in 2011 and 2021 to the temple, with hopes that these will be handed over to the SJTA.