Devotee mothers visiting the Jagannath Temple now have access to a dedicated breastfeeding room.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration in Puri, Odisha, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the temple's accessibility for families with young children. A dedicated breastfeeding room has been established near the temple complex, providing a safe and dignified space for nursing mothers.
The breastfeeding room can accommodate up to four mothers at a time and is equipped with comfortable seating, privacy arrangements, and essential facilities. To ensure the comfort of the mothers, the room is air-conditioned.
Dibya Jyoti Parida, Puri Collector and Deputy Chief Administrator of SJTA, has stated that volunteers and doctors will be available to assist in the breastfeeding room. Two female temple staff, who are part of the Jagannath Temple Police, have been deployed to assist mothers and ensure the smooth functioning of the breastfeeding room.
A medical team has been stationed nearby to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies. The establishment of the breastfeeding room is a response to a long-standing demand from nursing mothers and is part of a broader effort to make public institutions, including places of worship, more sensitive to the needs of women and children.
Devotees and social activists have welcomed the breastfeeding room setup as a progressive step. Many have praised the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration for addressing an often-overlooked need in public and religious spaces. The 12th-century shrine, visited by thousands of devotees daily, is now more inclusive and family-friendly.
The breastfeeding room setup in the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is a significant move towards making religious spaces more accommodating for mothers with infants. It is hoped that this initiative will inspire other temples and public institutions to follow suit, creating a more welcoming environment for all.
