Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) today began the process to open four gates (Chari Dwara) of Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri for devotees.

According to an official source, a team visited the 12th Century shrine today morning following a high-level meeting conducted yesterday under the chairmanship of the Puri district Collector. Necessary steps will be taken and arrangements be made to open the gates within a day or two.

As per a decision, zigzag barricades and shoe stands will be constructed at the other three gates except the Singha Dwar (Lion’s Gate) which is already open. Devotees coming to the Vaishnavite shrine will be halted at the zigzag barricades for a security check similar to the Singha Dwar.

Provisions will be in place for smooth Darshan of the Holy Trinity during festivals and performance of rituals. A final call relating to opening the remaining gates is to be taken very soon.

Worth mentioning that the devotees and followers of the Jagannath cult had been demanding to open all gates.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had declared in its election manifesto that the four gates will be opened if the saffron party is voted to power. BJP defeated Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the recent polls.