Bhubaneswar: Shree Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri, where Lords of Shree Jagannath Temple are on their annual sojourn, will remain out of bounds for devotees from 6 pm on Friday.
“On the occasion of ‘Sandhya Darshan’ on Friday, public entry at the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) of Shree Gundicha Temple will remain closed from 6 pm onwards. This arrangement is being made in view of the necessary rituals and detailed preparations to be conducted ahead of the auspicious Bahuda Yatra of the deities,” the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) posted on X.
Sandhya Darshan refers to a special evening glimpse of the deities on the Adap Mandap of the Gundicha temple on the second last day of the festival before their return. Devotees consider this occasion as highly auspicious because of the belief that darshan of the deities on this evening brings ten times greater blessings than during the day.
The SJTA further informed that the ceremonial cleansing (Shodha) of Shree Gundicha Temple will be performed, followed by several important rituals of the deities. “Devotees and pilgrims will get the divine opportunity to have darshan of the Lords on their chariots during the Bahuda Yatra. Hence, we humbly request all devotees to consider this restriction on Sandhya Darshan as a part of their service to Mahaprabhu and kind cooperation is highly solicited,” it added.
Bahuda Yatra marks the return journey of the sibling deities to their abode after the nine-day annual sojourn, which began with Rath Yatra on June 27. The chariots were turned southward to face the Shree Jagannath Temple on Thursday, symbolising the deities’ readiness to return home.
