Puri: The reopening of the Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri for the general public is likely to be delayed further. Though it was earlier decided to reopen the shrine on December 1, the move has reportedly been put on hold temporarily.
Official sources said the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has deferred the proposal after examining reports submitted by the Additional Chief Engineer and the Senior Supervisor, keeping in view the safety of devotees.
A thorough inspection of the Gundicha Temple was conducted a couple of days ago following a recommendation of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee. After the inspection, Chief Administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee had earlier announced that the Gundicha Temple w
ould be opened for devotees from December 1.
However, the Additional Chief Engineer has mentioned that the ongoing repair and conservation work inside the temple is taking more time. The report also mentions about the pending structural work, including the installation of steel beams and the laying of Khondolite stone flooring within the temple premises.
Similarly, the Senior Supervisor has highlighted that the temple gardens and surrounding areas need urgent cleaning and development to ensure safety ofvisitors.
Considering all these concerns, the authorities have decided to defer the reopening plan until all necessary repairs and maintenance work is completed. A fresh date for reopening the Gundicha Temple will be announced after the completion of ongoing work.
It may be noted that the Gundicha Temple has remained out of bounds for the devotees for the last six years due to repair work, structural concerns, and administrative decisions. The temple opens for nine days in a year only during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and siblings. The deities make a nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple during the annual car festival.