Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri reopened for devotees today, after being closed since January 10 due to the COVID-19 situation.
The temple will remain closed on Sundays for sanitisation purpose. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had decided for closure of the shrine from January 10 till January 31.
The SOP issued by the SJTA is as under.
- The devotees can enter the temple for darshan of Lords from 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM on all days when the temple is open for public darshan.
- However, the Temple will remain closed for public darshan on all Sundays in order to sanitize the Temple premises as a measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus disease.
- All devotees will be required to bring their photo ID Card, namely, Aadhaar/Voter ID or any other photo ID card for identification, along with final certificate for Covid-19 vaccination (of having taken two doses) or Covid-19 negative certificate (RT-PCR) of testing done within 96 hours prior to their visit to the Temple.
- The restriction laid down vide point number ‘3’ will remain in force until 17.02.2022. The same will be reviewed again before the expiry of the said date and a revised instruction, if required, will be issued keeping in view of the then prevailing COVID situation.
- It is mandatory for all pilgrims to wear masks at all times; inside & outside of the Temple. People flouting the norms will be fined and may be refused entry to the temple.
- Devotees should sanitize their hands before entering the Temple. There should be strict enforcement, for ensuring COVID appropriate behavior by all concerned.
- Devotees should maintain physical distance at all times as per COVID-19 guidelines.
- Temple administration has set up a camp for administering “Precaution Dose” vaccination for Sevayats between the age group of 18 to 60 years. Efforts will be made to ensure that all eligible Sevayats are given the same in due time, keeping in view the health of the Sevayats.
