Jagannath temple reopens all gates after 4-year closure

After a hiatus of four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all four gates of Puri's revered Jagannath Temple have reopened for devotees, aligning with a promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their recent electoral campaign in Odisha. This decision marks a significant moment as the BJP assumes power in the state after 24 years of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) rule. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and his ministers attended the reopening ceremony at the 12th-century monument, underscoring the government's commitment to promptly fulfilling its pledge.

Initially closed for safety amid the pandemic, only the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) had been accessible to devotees, while the Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghra Dwara (Tiger Gate), and Hasti Dwara (Elephant Gate) remained shut, causing inconvenience. The BJP's election manifesto included a promise to reopen these gates upon assuming office, addressing long-standing grievances of devotees. The reopening ceremony highlighted the temple's cultural importance and the government's intent to enhance pilgrimage experiences.

During his first Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Majhi acknowledged the challenges faced by devotees and emphasized the reopening as a measure to facilitate smoother pilgrimages. Additionally, he announced a significant allocation of ₹500 crore for the temple's maintenance, beautification, and repairs, signaling a renewed focus on preserving this heritage site. The Jagannath Temple emerged as a prominent issue in the recent elections, with concerns raised about the management of the temple's Ratna Bhandar (treasury) and its unaudited valuables. Prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assured transparency on these matters, reflecting public sentiment and the temple's central role in Odisha's cultural landscape.