Puri, Jul 4: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced that devotees will not be allowed entry into the Shree Gundicha Temple after 6 pm today to allow for ritual preparations ahead of the Bahuda Yatra scheduled for July 5.
The Singhadwara of the Gundicha Temple will be closed to the public from 6pm onwards. This step is being taken to facilitate the ceremonial cleansing (Shodha) of the temple and the performance of other key rituals required before the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the SJTA said:
“On the occasion of ‘Sandhya Darshan’ on Friday, 4th July 2025, public entry at the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) of Shree Gundicha Temple will remain closed from 6:00 PM onwards. This arrangement is being made because of the necessary rituals and detailed preparations to be conducted ahead of the auspicious Bahuda Yatra of the Deities.”
The administration has requested devotees to consider the restriction as an act of devotion and cooperation, emphasizing that the preparation is essential for the smooth conduct of the Bahuda Yatra rituals.
Devotees will still have the chance to witness the deities during the Bahuda Yatra when the divine siblings return to their original abode at the Shree Jagannath Temple on their majestic chariots.
