By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: The 12th century old Shree Jagannath Temple in the pilgrimage city of Puri in Odisha, one of the four Dhams of Hindus, which was close for devotees since May 5 for COVID-19, will reopen from August 16, says Chief Administrator of SJTA Dr Krishan Kumar.
Temple will be reopened for devotees with strict observance to Covid-19 protocols. On the first five days (August 16 to 20), only Puri citizens including family members of servitors will be allowed to enter the temple for darshan from 7 AM to 8 PM with strict adherence to COVID-19 norms, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr Krishan Kumar told reporters after holding a meeting with Chatisa Nijog this evening.
In view of weekend shutdown in the Holy town, the temple will remain closed for devotees on August 21 and 22. From August 23, all devotees will be allowed to have ”darshan” of the sibling deities, he said.
COVID-19 testing of all servitors and officials of SJTA & district administration will again be done for three days from August 8. A door-to-door campaign will also be launched to ensure two doses of vaccination of servitors and their families, he added.
RTPCR negative report obtained within 96 hours or final vaccination certificate (after receiving two doses) is mandatory to enter into the temple, Dr Kumar said.
Dr Kumar said devotes are allowed entry into the temple after proper checking of identity proof, hand sanitisation and mandatory wearing of face masks. During the weekend shutdown, the temple will remain closed for devotees and the temple premises will be fully sanitized as it is being done now, he said, adding, the temple will also remain closed for public darshan on the occasion of Janmashtami (August 30).
