After remaining closed for almost two years for repairs, the Jagamohan (prayer hall) of the Shree Jagannath temple here will reopen on Monday for darshan of devotees.
The Jagamohan had been closed since the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took up its repair works on January 27, 2016.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) officials on Sunday informed that darshan on Monday would be allowed after the Sakala Dhupa. However, devotees would be prohibited from entering the Jagamohan during rituals.
On general days, darshan would be allowed between Mangal Alati and Gopal Ballav. Devotees would have to enter the Jagamohan through Jaya Vijaya Dwara and exit through Beharana Dwar, the officials said.
However, only sevayats who have to perform rituals inside the Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum) would be allowed to enter beyond the Bhitara Katha. Earlier when the Jagamohan was under repairs, devotees were allowed till Bahara Katha.
Earlier on March 6, 2018 the ASI had informed the Orissa High Court that it had completed the repair works of the Jagamohan. However, the temple administration said it would only allow devotees into the prayer hall after the ASI filed a no-objection certificate (NOC) on completion of its repair works.
Even though the temple administration had sought the court’s permission to keep the Jagamohan closed till August 1, the court rejected the plea. A HC Bench headed by Chief Justice Vineet Saran had ordered the SJTA to open the Jagamohan on April 16.