Dharmendra Pradhan demands for opening of four gates of Puri Srimandir

Bhubaneswar: Demand for opening of four gates of Puri Srimandir intensified with union minister Dharmendra Pradhan joining the forum for devotees for smooth darshan of deities inside the centuries old temple.

Speaking to media persons at a programme in Bhubaneswar today, the Union Education Minister said that the temple administration had kept open only one gate and closed remaining three gates for devotees to control spread of Covid during pandemic.

“The temple administration should consider reopening of all four gates as there is no threat of Covid-19. With removal of encroachment under the beautification project, the temple appears more beautiful,” he said.

Stressing on a cause for opening of all four gates of Puri Jagannath Temple, he said Puri has become the permanent venue for many people over the time. Both Puri residents and Hindu devotees from across the country get darshan of Lord Jagannath at the temple during different occasions. They have emotional connection with Lord Jagannath. Earlier, four gates were opened for devotees as the elderly people and women used to rush to the temple frequently to see their Lord.

“With end of scare for Covid, the devotees should not be restricted for entry into the temple only through one gate. The Jagannath Temple in Puri holds unique tradition. Everything is open here. The Lord has given accessibility to devotees who can get darshan without any hindrance. They are emotionally connected with the Lord. Therefore, all four gates should be kept open for them. It’s high time, the temple administration should open remaining three gates without showing toughness and ensure hassle-free darshan,” Pradhan told reporters.

Various sections of people are making hue and cry to open all four gates of Puri Jagannath Temple for devotees to minimise long beeline on Grand Road.

On Friday, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) decided to form a subcommittee to consider several proposals including opening of all four gates of the temple.

A sub panel has been constituted comprising sub-collector, senior servitors, SJTA officials, and police officers to look into the matter. The decision will be taken only after the subcommittee submitted its suggestions, informed SJTA Chief Administrator Ranjan Kumar Das after the meeting yesterday.

Worth mentioning that all gates of Puri Jagannath Temple except Singhadwar were closed for devotees since the days of lockdown and shutdown restrictions due to Covid pandemic situation.