In line with a campaign promise of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), all four gates of Puri's Jagannath Temple were opened to devotees for the first time since 2020. This action follows the BJP's recent electoral victory in Odisha, ending the 24-year rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and his council of ministers were present at the temple during the gate opening ceremony, which occurred a day after their swearing-in.

The administration of the Jagannath Temple closed all four gates of the 12th-century monument when the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. Subsequently, only the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) was reopened to devotees. The Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghra Dwara (Tiger Gate), and Hasti Dwara (Elephant Gate) remained closed until Thursday, causing inconvenience for worshippers.

In its election manifesto, the BJP pledged to open these gates once it assumed power. This promise has now been fulfilled with the reopening of all four gates to the public.

A devotee expressed satisfaction that the gates should have been opened sooner, stating, "I am pleased that the new government has honoured its commitment."

During his inaugural Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Majhi acknowledged the congestion and inconvenience faced by devotees and affirmed that all four gates would be reopened. He emphasised that this decision was made to facilitate smoother pilgrimage experiences.

Majhi also announced an allocation of ₹500 crore for the temple, noting deficiencies in previous funding for its maintenance, beautification, and restoration efforts.

During the recently concluded election, the Jagannath Temple became a prominent topic of discussion. The BJP highlighted the issue of the missing keys to the temple’s Ratna Bhandar (treasury). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders pledged to update the public on the status of the treasures housed in the Ratna Bhandar, which have not undergone auditing for four decades.

Image source: Indian Express