Puri: The Sri Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday, ending a six-year wait for devotees.

The temple was opened at around 7.45 am after the morning rituals. A large number of devotees gathered outside the temple to have darshan of the sacred site, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath.

Entry to the temple will remain free for the first three days. After that, devotees will have to pay an entry fee of Rs 10 per person. Children below five years, senior citizens above 80 years and persons with disabilities will be allowed free entry.

The temple will generally remain open for public visits from 6 am to 6 pm. During the winter months, from November to February, the visiting hours will be from 6 am to 5 pm.

Devotees will enter and exit through the Singhadwara. The exit through the Nakachana Gate has been kept closed as development work is underway near Anand Bazaar on that side of the temple.

The temple administration has made arrangements for the convenience and orderly movement of devotees. A ramp has been provided for persons with disabilities, while facilities for depositing footwear and mobile phones will be available free of cost.

The Sri Gundicha Temple had remained closed to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, except during the annual Rath Yatra period when devotees were allowed to have darshan of the deities at the Adapa Mandap.