Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) allowed entry of devotees into Srimandir through its Paschima Dwara (west gate) from today.

The decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting of Srimandir management committee chaired by Puri Gajapati King Dibyasingha Deb on April 22.

As per decision, the devotees are now allowed to enter into the Jagannath Temple through both Singhadwara in the east and Paschima Dwara (Byaghradwara) in the west of the centuries old Hindu temple. The devotees will exit through Hastidwara in the north and Ashwadwara in the south, an SJTA official said today.

Earlier, devotees were allowed to enter through only Singhadwara for darshan of deities. With opening of one more gate of Srimandir, the devotees are unlikely to face stamped-like situation during auspicious occasions at the shrine in pilgrim town Puri.