Puri: The Gundicha Temple in Puri will reopen for devotees from Wednesday, September 30, with the temple administration deciding to allow public darshan from 6 am. to 5 pm.
The decision was taken at an important meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee held Saturday at the temple office premises under the chairmanship of Gajapati Maharaja Dib yasingh Deb. The meeting discussed various issues, including rituals at the Temple, arrangements for devotees’ darshan and welfare measures for servitors.
Temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said the rituals during the recent Rath Yatra were reviewed and issues faced during the festival were discussed. A video covering the period from Snana Yatra to Niladri Bije was also shown at the meeting. Entry to Gundicha Temple will be free for the first three days.
From the following days, a Rs 10 entry fee will be charged. The fee will be waived for senior citizens above 80, young children and people with disabilities. Arrangements for security, ticket counters and drinking water have been completed.
A special darshan arrangement will be made near the north gate of the Jagannath Temple for people with disabilities and senior citizens. Ramps will also be provided. A fixed number of slots will be available for booking each day, while special volunteers of the temple administration will assist devotees during darshan.
The committee also discussed allowing residents of Puri town to enter through the north gate. The number of Puri residents who can avail the facility each day will be decided later. Welfare of servitors and the construction of an Adarsha Gurukul was also discussed. The foundation stone for the servitors’ gurukul will be laid in November.
The project will be developed within a 1,300-meter boundary wall, of which 800 meters have been completed. The complex will include a school, temple, modern playground, auditorium and hostel. The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) will execute the project. The committee also approved the final audit report for the financial year.
Various issues concerning the Shree Jagannath Philosophy Research and Publication Administration Committee were discussed, including measures to promote the teachings and glory of Lord Jagannath.
