By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Chief Administrator Dr. Krishan Kumar, on Wednesday issued SOP for reopening of Shree Jagannatha Temple from August 16.The 4 pages SOP issued by SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Kumar said Shree Jagannatha Temple has been closed since 24.04.2021 for the entry of general public, in view of threat of spread of COVID-19. As per the Government order no. 4290 dated31.07.21 by office of the Special Relief Commissioner, Government of Odisha, SJTA has been directed to decide on the reopening of Shree Jagannatha Temple for public darshan in consultation with the concerned stakeholders and in compliance of COVID safety protocols and appropriate restrictions.
It further said, thus, a meeting was held on 04.08.2021 with Chhatisa Nijog members and all other stakeholders under the Chairmanship of Dr Kumar, Chief Administrator, SJTA, to discuss the matter. After detailed discussions and considering all the connected matters, it was decided to open the Temple w.e.f 16.08.2021 under strict guidelines as detailed below:
Schedule for opening of Shree Jagannatha Temple for Public:
- The Temple will be opened gradually for entry of the general public from
16.08.2021. However, on 12.08.2021 & 13.08.2021 family members of the
Sevaks will be allowed darshan of the Lords. - The darshan timings will be from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM on all days, when
temple is open for darshan of the Lords. - The residents of Puri Municipality area will be allowed entry for darshan of the
Lords from 16.08.2021 to 20.08.2021 - All devotees will be allowed entry for darshan of the lords from 23.08.2021
- The Temple will remain closed for public Darshan on all Saturdays & Sundays
as a measure to contain the spread of Corona Virus disease and in order to
sanitize the Temple premises. - The Temple will also remain closed on major festive occasions in order to avoid
any spike in transmission of COVID-19 on account of huge gathering that are
expected on such festive occasions. Accordingly, the Temple will remain closed
on 30.08.21 (Janmastami) & 10.09.2021(Shree Ganesh Chaturthi) during the
month of August & September 2021. This matter will be reviewed again for the
month of October 2021 or as required.
II. General quidelines on account of COVID-19 for all devotees
- It is mandatory for all devotees to wear Masks at all times, inside & outside the
Temple - Devotees should sanitize their hands before entering into the Temple
- Devotees should maintain physical distance at all times as per COVID-19
guidelines and follow Covid appropriate behavior. - Devotees are requested not to touch Statues or ldols inside the Temple.
- It is prohibited to take flowers/ bhoga/ deepa inside the Temple. There will be
big containers placed at the entrance, where such items can be dropped, if
being carried by the devotees. - Lighting of the Deepas inside the Temple by the devotees will not be permitted
at all. - Chewing of Tobacco/ Paan and spitting inside the Temple premises is strictly
prohibited. A fine of Rs.500/- will be levied for each violation. - There is a complete ban on carrying Polythene Bags inside the Temple. A fine
of Rs.100/- will be levied for each violation. - There will be no partaking of Mahaprasad inside Ananda Bazar & Temple
premises. However, the devotees can carry Mahaprasad & partake it at their
place of residence or any other convenient place.
10.There will be a separate queue for Differently-abled devotees, for darshan of
the Lords. - Parking of the vehicles will be done only at Jagannatha Ballav Math premise or
any other designated place.
12.Advice to senior citizen/Children/persons having co-morbidities: Persons
above 65 years of age, persons with Co-morbidities, pregnant Women &
Children below 10 years are advised not to visit the Temple in view of the
prevailing cOVID-19 situation
I. Special Arrangements:A. Guidelines for family members of Sevaks are as per following
- Family members of Sevaks will be allowed darshan from Mangal Alati till
Rati Pahuda through any of the gates. - While entering into the temple, they are required to produce their Health
Insurance Card /any other ID card issued by SJTA along with photo ID Card
like, Aadhaar, Voter ID Card etc. - Entry of Non-Sevak devotees accompanying the Sevak family members. if
any, will not be allowed.
B. Guidelines for residents of Puri Municipality from 16.08.2021 to
20.08.2021 are as per following1. The residents of Puri Municipality area will be allowed entry for darshan
of the Lords from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM. - Devotees will make entry through the barricades opposite to the Shoe
stand, situated on North-East side of the temple complex. - Residents are required to produce their Photo ID Card bearing address,
such as, Aadhar / Voter ID etc of all the members of the family who are
visiting the Temple for Darshan of Lords; to confirm Puri Municipality as
the place of residence. - All devotees will enter through Singhadwar. After the darshan, the exit
will be through Uttaradwar.
c. Guidelines for all devotees who will be visiting the Temple w.e.f
23.08.2021- - Queue system will open from 07:00 AM. Devotees will make entry
through the barricades opposite to the Shoe stand, situated on NorthEast side of the temple complex. - All devotees visiting the Temple will have to produce the Final Certificate
for Covid-19 vaccination (of having taken two Doses) or COVID-19
negative certificate (RTPCR) of testing done within 96 hours prior to their
visit to the Temple. - All devotees will be required to bring their photo ID Card, namely,
Aadhaar/Voter ID etc
4 Devotees will leave their belongings at the designated place outside the
Temple; produce their ID proof for verification and follow the COVID19
guidelines of hand sanitization & thermal scanning before entering the
Temple - All devotees will enter through Singhadwar. After the Darshan, the exit
will be through Uttaradwar.
The above guidelines will be reviewed periodically and revised instructions will be
issued from time to time to further facilitate darshan by devotees and also for management
of COVID-19 pandemic.
