Puri: The famous Puri Srimandir of Odisha will remain open till 11 pm today, the temple administration notified on Wednesday night. Reportedly, the administration decided to extend the darshan timing keeping in view the huge rush of devotees during Panchuka. The timing for darshan was also extended till 11 pm on November 17.
While revising the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) stated in the notification that earlier people were allowed to have a glimpse of the deities till 9 pm However, it will be reviewed periodically and revised instructions will be issued from time to time, the notification added.
The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) administration as well as the District administration made special arrangements for Kartika month. As many as eight platoon police forces have been deployed at the temple for darshan.
The general guidelines on account of COVID-19 for all devotees will continue to remain the same. Mandatory usage of masks (inside and outside temple premises), sanitizers, maintaining social distancing. Devotees are requested not to touch statues or idols inside the temple.The lighting of deepas inside the temple at the designated places by the devotees will be permitted.
It is permitted to carry flowers/bhoga inside the Temple but such items shall be placed at pre-designated places as earmarked by the Temple administration. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with Co-morbidities, pregnant Women and Children below 10 years are advised not to visit the Temple in view of the prevailing covid-19 situation.
It is to be noted that Srimandir will remain closed for devotees on the occasion of Kartik Purnima on November 19 to prevent huge congregations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also read: Holy Kartika month rituals begin at Srimandir from today, Check detailed schedule here
Ms Kalinga