PURI, INDIA, August 24, 2021 (Daily Pioneer): Finally, after a gap of four months, the Jagannath Temple here reopened for devotees on Monday. The devotees had a darshan of the Holy Trinity from 7 am. “The devotees will be allowed to have darshan of the Lords from 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Friday. The temple will remain closed for public darshan on all Saturdays and Sundays,” said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Dr. Krishan Kumar. “Last week, over 50,000 devotees paid obeisance to the Lords. Now, with the opening of the temple for devotees from all places, we expect around 15,000 to 20,000 footfalls every day,” he said.
He appealed to all devotees to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. Three-tier security arrangements have been made to facilitate smooth darshan of the Deities. Police have set up a special centre to take feedback from devotees, said Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh. After allowing servitors’ families and Puri citizens, the temple is now open for all devotees. Apart from Saturdays and Sundays, the shrine will also remain closed on major festive occasions to avoid any transmission of Covid-19 on account of huge gatherings. A queue system has been put in place for the devotees, who will make entry through the barricades opposite to the shoe-stand, situated on the north-east side of the temple complex. After darshan, exit would be through Uttaradwar.
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2021/state-editions/jagannath-temple-opens-for-all.html