Gundicha Temple in Puri reopens after six-year closure

The Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, has reopened to the general public after being closed for six years. The closure began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued even after the pandemic subsided.

Following rituals and puja, the temple opened at 7:30 AM to allow devotees to have darshan of the Janmabedi. To manage the influx of visitors, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and local authorities have implemented new entry protocols. Entry will be free for the first three days, after which a nominal fee of ₹10 will be charged. However, children under five, senior citizens above 80, and persons with disabilities will continue to receive free entry.

New facilities include free storage for mobile phones and footwear, as well as ramps to assist differently-abled devotees. To ensure order, separate queues have been established for women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. All devotees will enter and exit through the Singhadwara, with access permitted from 6 AM to 5 PM.