All 4 Gates of Puri’s Jagannath Temple Reopen for Devotees

All 4 Gates of Puri’s Jagannath Temple Reopen for Devotees

Puri, Odisha: The doors of the sacred Puri Jagannath Temple, revered by millions, have been opened for devotees from all four directions today, after a month-long closure for the annual Rath Yatra festival.

Significance of the Gates:

The four gates of the temple hold immense significance in the Jagannath tradition:

Lions’ Gate (Singhadwara): Symbolizing the east, it is considered the main entrance and is where devotees enter.
Tiger’s Gate (Byagrahwara): Facing the west, it represents courage and strength.
Elephant’s Gate (Hastidwara): Located in the north, it symbolizes stability and wisdom.
Horse’s Gate (Ashwadwara): On the southern side, it represents speed and victory.

Reopening Guidelines:

Devotees are allowed entry into the temple from today onwards, adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols:

Mandatory face masks
Thermal screening
Social distancing measures
Limited number of devotees at a time

Importance for Pilgrims:

The reopening of all four gates is a significant event for devotees who flock to Puri throughout the year. It provides an opportunity for them to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, the presiding deities of the temple.

Temple Rituals Resume:

With the reopening, regular rituals and offerings inside the temple have resumed. Devotees can participate in the daily pujas, witness the sacred darshan of the deities, and offer their prayers.

Economic Impact:

The reopening of the temple is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. Tourism and hospitality businesses, which rely heavily on pilgrim traffic, are likely to benefit from the influx of devotees.