Bhubaneswar: The demand for opening of all four gates of Puri Jagannath Temple received further strength on Saturday with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan strongly backing the plea saying it will ensure smooth darshan of the sibling deities by the devotees.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Bhubaneswar, Dharmendra said it was decided to keep only the Singhadwara of the 12th century shrine open, while the remaining three gates remained closed for devotees after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.
As the situation has improved now and there is no threat of Covid-19, the temple administration should consider reopening of all four gates of the shrine for the convenience of visitors, he said.
Stating that residents of Puri as well as devotees from across the country visit the temple to offer prayers, the Union Minister said people have an emotional bond with Lord Jagannath. Earlier, all four gates were kept open for devotees, he said.
As Covid-19 scare no more exists, entry of devotees should not be restricted and all four gates must be opened.
It may be noted here that a number of organisations including citizens’ bodies have been demanding steps to open all four gates of the temple to minimise long queues of devotees outside the Singhadwara, Lion’s Gate, on Grand Road.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to form a sub-committee to consider several proposals including opening of all four gates of the temple.
A decision will be taken only after the sub-committee submits its suggestions, said SJTA Chief Administrator Ranjan Kumar Das after the meeting yesterday.
