Three closed gates of the Puri Jagannath Temple opened

BJP Government in Odisha takes major decision about the temple

Since COVID-19 pandemic, devotees were allowed entry through only one of the four gates

Bhubaneswar – As soon as the BJP Government assumed power in Odisha, it has taken its first major decision regarding the temple. Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a cabinet meeting and approved the opening of the three closed gates out of the four gates of the Puri Jagannath Temple. In addition, the Government has also decided to raise funds to meet the temple’s needs. All gates were opened in the presence of the Chief Minister and other ministers. “This is a very emotional moment for us,” said the Chief Minister. People had been demanding the opening of all four gates of the temple for a long time.

Newly elected Odisha’s BJP Government, re-opens the 3 closed gates for devotees at the Puri Jagannath Temple.

3 out of 4 doors were previously shut during the Corona pandemic.

👉 Noteworthy start by the new Government; Hindus feel similar efforts should be now put to conserve… pic.twitter.com/AdxfGbXGbI

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 14, 2024

What is the matter ?

The Jagannath Temple has four gates in four directions. The eastern gate is known as the Singhadwar (Lion Gate). It is believed that a devotee who enters through this gate attains Moksha (salvation). The northern gate is known as the Hastidwar (Elephant Gate), the southern gate is called the Ashwadwar (Horse Gate), and the western gate is known as the Vyaghradwar (Tiger Gate). Devotees believe that entering through the Ashwadwar helps overcome desires, the Vyaghradwar imparts awareness of Dharma and righteousness, and the Hastidwar brings wealth. Consequently, there was a demand to open all gates for devotees.

“Opening all the gates of the temple was one of the promises in the BJP’s election manifesto. We have now fulfilled that promise,” said the Chief Minister. The closure of the gates had caused great inconvenience to the devotees. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous Biju Janata Dal Government had closed three gates of the temple
except for the Singhadwar, causing significant hardship to the devotees who could only enter through one gate.

Rs 500 crores fund to be raised for the temple

Chief Minister Manjhi announced that the cabinet has decided to raise a fund of Rs 500 crores for the preservation and maintenance of the temple. He also emphasised that while the Government will not interfere in the temple’s affairs, it will ensure that there are no obstacles in its functioning.

Editorial Perspectives

Congratulations to the BJP Government for taking decision immediately upon coming to power. Hindus hope that the Government will now make efforts for the preservation of the temple.