Puri: The Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri is likely to be opened for devotees from October, with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) targeting completion of all arrangements by September 30, Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee said on Saturday.
Padhee made the announcement after inspecting the temple and said devotees would be charged an entry fee of ₹10. The fee would not be applicable to senior citizens above 80 years, persons with disabilities and small children.
Initially, devotees will be allowed to have darshan only of the Adapa Mandap, while access to other parts of the temple will be opened subsequently, he said. Arrangements are being made for drinking water, ticket counters and shoe stands. The shoe and mobile stands will be provided free of cost, while the temple premises will be brought under complete CCTV surveillance.
Meanwhile, the price list of Mahaprasad is expected to be displayed at Ananda Bazar of the Shree Jagannath Temple shortly. The SJTA will hold discussions with the Suara Mahasuara Niyoga on the issue.
Padhee also said a dedicated online portal would be developed by the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) for people seeking settlement of land recorded in the name of Lord Jagannath. Special concessions will be available for Sevayats and Sevayat Niyogas. Those who had earlier submitted applications offline will have to apply afresh through the online system.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee is scheduled to meet on September 26. The Chief Administrator said the committee would discuss the proposed queue-based darshan system at the temple and the construction of air-conditioned sheds for devotees outside the temple before taking a final decision.
