Puri: In a move aimed at enhancing the experience for visitors to the historic 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha, air conditioning units have been added to the Nata Mandap, providing a more pleasant atmosphere for devotees.

Officials reported that the air-conditioning system, implemented by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), became fully functional on Monday, fulfilling a longstanding request for improved facilities in the Nata Mandap, a key area for darshan at the temple.

The necessity for such an upgrade was especially noted during the ‘Bahar Katha Darshan’ events, where large crowds often result in significant discomfort due to the hot and humid climate.

With the new AC installations, devotees can now enjoy a cooler environment while participating in the darshan of the sibling deities. This enhancement is anticipated to be particularly advantageous during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

Both servitors and visitors have expressed their appreciation for this initiative, emphasizing that it will offer essential relief during peak attendance times. The Nata Mandap attracts a significant number of devotees during ‘Bahar Katha Darshan’, highlighting the importance of temperature regulation.

Measures have been implemented to ensure that the air-conditioning system does not negatively impact the Deities, temple rituals, or the integrity of the historical structure.

The installation of the AC system has been designed with careful consideration for both the temple’s rituals and the preservation of its heritage. Furthermore, the process adhered to the guidelines set forth by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the safeguarding of the temple’s architecture.