Puri: After a long wait, the Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri was reopened for the general public on Wednesday after a gap of six years.
The temple, considered the birthplace of Lord Jagannath and siblings, had remained closed since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The temple was opened in the morning after performing puja and rituals, officials said.
Officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) along with devotees entered the temple on the first day of its reopening. A large number of devotees were seen gathering to have darshan of the Janmabedi of the Trinity.
For the convenience of devotees and to ensure disciplined darshan, all ancillary arrangements have been made by the temple administration, district administration and police administration.
According to officials, entry will be free for the first three days. After that, a nominal fee of Rs ten will be charged for entry. However, the administration has decided to keep entry free for senior citizens and children coming for darshan.
Several facilities have also been arranged for the convenience of visitors. Devotees will be able to use free storage facilities for their shoes and mobile phones while visiting the temple.
The administration has also made arrangements keeping differently-abled devotees in mind. A ramp facility has been provided at the temple to make it easier for them to access the premises and have darshan.
Puri SP Prateek Singh said all necessary security arrangements have been made and devotees will be able to enter the temple with tickets through the Singhadwar.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure a pleasant experience for all devotees visiting the temple.