Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple is most likely to reopen for devotees in the first week of December. A majority of the various stakeholders during consultations with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) over reopening of the temple have opined for keeping the temple closed for the devotees till the end of the holy month of Kartik which is November 30 (Kartik Purnima).
“Majority of both individuals and organisations have opined for keeping the temple shut for devotees till November 30, Kartik Purnima (end of the holy Kartik month) keeping in view the current situation,” informed Ajay Kumar Jena, Development Administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
Jena revealed that nearly 500, who include sevayats (temple servitors) and temple administration officials have been infected with Covid-19 and are gradually recovering.
Therefore, the majority opinion was in favour of keeping the temple closed for devotees till the end of Kartik month, he added.
The Development Administrator further revealed that during the consultations, various stakeholders opined for allowing devotees’ access up to the Aruna Stambha in front of the Simha Dwar (Lions Gate) to have darshan of Lord Patitapaban since they are denied entry into the temple to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings inside the sanctum sanctorum.
He said these proposals/opinions have been forwarded to the State Government for its perusal by the SJTA.
The State Government on October 8 started the process for reopening of major temples and places of worship by asking the district collectors to consider the possibility and submit an action plan by consulting all stakeholders within 10 days.
The SJTA and administration of other major temples under the Endowment department were asked by the State Government to prepare an action plan for the opening of temples by adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.
The reopening process includes places of worship of all religious faiths.
All religious places and places of worship will remain closed for public till October 31, 2020, as per the Unlock 5 guidelines of the State Government.