In a major step towards improving the pilgrim experience, the district administration of Puri has launched a mobile application named ‘Shree Jagannatha Dham’. Designed to assist devotees visiting the sacred 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple, the app offers a wide range of features and services that enhance accessibility, convenience, and spiritual connectivity.

Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain announced the launch of the app through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that it would serve as a digital guide for devotees, especially during the upcoming Rath Yatra scheduled for June 27, 2025. The app provides real-time information about temple rituals, darshan schedules, queue waiting times, and special events such as Rath Yatra, allowing devotees to plan their visits more efficiently. It also includes updates on Mahaprasad availability, donation processes at the shrine, and the status of various temple activities.

Beyond temple-specific content, the app functions as a comprehensive tourism tool. It helps users navigate different routes in the temple town, locate public amenities and religious sites, and access details about accommodations. This digital guide is especially useful for first-time visitors who seek structured information about Puri’s spiritual and logistical ecosystem. Collector Swain emphasized that the name ‘Jagannatha Dham’ reflects the deep emotional and cultural sentiments of devotees, who regard Puri as the original 'Jagannath Dham' among India’s Char Dhams. He added that this identity is central to Odisha’s spiritual heritage and resonates with millions of Jagannath followers worldwide.

Although launched in preparation for the high-footfall Rath Yatra festival, the app will remain functional year-round. It has been developed with long-term goals in mind, such as modernizing temple tourism and offering digital solutions to manage large-scale events. The application also includes a grievance redressal system, allowing users to submit complaints or suggestions. The administration has welcomed public feedback to help improve the platform in future updates.

The initiative is part of Odisha’s broader efforts to promote smart tourism, digital governance, and pilgrim safety through modern technology. With the integration of additional features over time, the ‘Shree Jagannatha Dham’ app is set to become a vital tool for devotees, not only during Rath Yatra but throughout the year. This digital step marks a significant milestone in how religious tourism can be seamlessly integrated with technology to serve both spiritual and practical needs.