In an aim to ensure hassle-free darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings for the devotees visiting the Puri temple from across the globe, the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to open the temple for two hours more for the devotees.
In an order, the SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Krishan Kumar, who is an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath said the devotees can enter the temple for the darshan of Lords from 7 AM to 11 PM on November 17 & 18. As per earlier order, the temple remained open for devotees from 7 AM to 9 PM.
In view of the large number of footfalls of devotees to Shree Jagannatha Temple and on account of Panchuka, the SJTA has taken this decision.
However, the temple will remain closed for the devotees on November 19 for Kartika Purnima in order to avoid any spike in transmission of COVID-19 on account of large gathering that is anticipated on that day.
As per the updated SOP of SJTA, which came into force from November 1, residents of the Puri municipality area are allowed to enter the shrine through the western gate in addition to the Lion’s gate or Singhadwar.
The devotees, including residents of Puri, will have to continue to carry either a Covid negative report (RT-PCR) or proof of vaccination (both doses) for gaining access to the temple.
