In preparation for the sacred Bahuda Yatra, the return leg of the famed Rath Yatra festival, Puri’s Gundicha Temple will be closed to devotees after 6 PM today.
The Srimandir administration has urged all visitors to complete their darshan of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings before the cut-off time.
The decision, announced early Friday, is aimed at facilitating several key rituals that precede tomorrow’s Bahuda Yatra. These rituals, deeply embedded in Jagannath tradition, require complete sanctity and uninterrupted space, prompting the temple authorities to restrict public access.
As part of the divine observances, temple premises will be thoroughly cleaned and sanctified to ensure a seamless execution of the ceremonial rites. During the Bahuda Yatra, devotees will be graced with the rare opportunity to witness the deities atop their chariots as they begin their majestic return to the main temple.
The Srimandir administration has appealed to all servitors and devotees to extend their cooperation in upholding the age-old customs and ensuring the punctual and disciplined conduct of the sacred procession.
This early closure reflects the meticulous planning and reverence associated with Jagannath culture, underscoring not just a festival but a living tradition embraced with devotion across Odisha and beyond.