Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri town, which had been closed for devotees in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases, reopened on Tuesday after a gap of 20 days.
The entry of devotees into the temple had been prohibited from January 10 to 31. With an improvement in the COVID situation, decision regarding the relaxation of restrictions was taken at the recent Chhattisa Nijog meeting.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has laid down the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the reopening of the 12th-century shrine for devotees.
- The devotees can enter the temple for darshan of Lords from 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM on all days when the temple is open for public darshan.
- However, the Temple will remain closed for public darshan on all Sundays in order to sanitize the Temple premises as a measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus disease.
- All devotees will be required to bring their photo ID Card, namely, Aadhaar/Voter ID or any other photo ID card for identification, along with final certificate for Covid-19 vaccination (of having taken two doses) or Covid-19 negative certificate (RT-PCR) of testing done within 96 hours prior to their visit to the Temple.
- The restriction laid down vide point number ‘3’ will remain in force until 17.02.2022. The same will be reviewed again before the expiry of the said date and a revised instruction, if required, will be issued keeping in view of the then prevailing COVID situation.
- It is mandatory for all pilgrims to wear masks at all times; inside & outside of the Temple. People flouting the norms will be fined and may be refused entry to the temple.
- Devotees should sanitize their hands before entering the Temple. There should be strict enforcement, for ensuring COVID appropriate behavior by all concerned.
- Devotees should maintain physical distance at all times as per COVID-19 guidelines.
- Temple administration has set up a camp for administering “Precaution Dose” vaccination for Sevayats between the age group of 18 to 60 years. Efforts will be made to ensure that all eligible Sevayats are given the same in due time, keeping in view the health of the Sevayats.
The SJTA has stated that the above order will be reviewed periodically and revised instructions will be issued from time to time, keeping in view the evolving situation.
