Bhubaneswar: The devotees will not be allowed to visit Srigundicha temple at Odisha’s Puri town to have a darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings after 6 pm on July 4 (Friday).

This was revealed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) today.

The shrine will remain closed for the devotees to facilitate smooth organisation of rituals of the deities ahead of the Bahuda Jatra, scheduled to be held on July 5.

“On the occasion of Sandhya Darshan on July 4, public entry at Lions’ Gate of Shree Gundicha temple will remain closed from 6 pm onwards. This arrangement is being made in view of the necessary rituals and detailed preparations to be conducted ahead of the auspicious Bahuda Jatra of the deities,” said the SJTA in a statement.

Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra had embarked on their journey to Srigundicha temple for a nine-day sojourn by riding their chariots on the Grand Road on the occasion of Ratha Jatra on June 27.

After making a night halt midway, the deities reached Saradhabali near Srigundicha temple June 28.

The deities were escorted to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple from their respective chariots on June 29.

As per the schedule, the Deities will return to the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir from Srigundicha temple by riding their chariots on the occasion of Bahuda Jatra on July 5.

The sibling deities will be adorned with Suna Besha (Golden Attire) on their respective chariots on July 6.

Lord Jagannath and his siblings will be offered Adhara Pana (a delicious drink) on their chariots on June 7.

The deities will be taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir from the chariots through the Pahandi procession on the occasion of Niladri Bije on July 8.