In a significant development, the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha has fulfilled its poll promise by reopening all four gates of the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri. This move comes after a closure of four years, during which only the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) remained accessible to devotees due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Long-Awaited Decision

The Jagannath Temple administration had shut down all four gates of the 12th-century monument in 2020 as a precautionary measure against the pandemic. However, the Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghra Dwara (Tiger Gate), and Hasti Dwara (Elephant Gate) remained closed until now, causing inconvenience to devotees. The BJP, in its election manifesto, had promised to reopen these gates once it came to power, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wasted no time in delivering on that commitment.

Chief Minister’s Announcement

At his first Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Majhi announced the reopening of all four gates to facilitate smooth pilgrimage. He cited the rush and inconvenience faced by devotees and emphasized the need for accessibility. Additionally, the government allocated ₹500 crore for the temple’s management, beautification, and repair, addressing long-standing issues.

Jagannath Temple’s Significance

The Jagannath Temple holds immense cultural and religious importance for Odisha. During the recent election, the BJP also raised concerns about the missing keys of the temple’s Ratna Bhandar (treasury), which have not been audited for four decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders pledged to address this issue and provide transparency regarding the valuables stored in the treasury.

In summary, the BJP government’s swift action in reopening all gates of the Jagannath Temple reflects its commitment to fulfilling promises and ensuring devotees’ access to this revered shrine. As the temple doors swing open once again, thousands of faithful pilgrims can now participate in worship and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on available news sources and may be subject to updates or changes.¹²³⁴