Gundicha Temple to Welcome Devotees as Shree Jagannath Complex Undergoes Major Revamp

In a rare development, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration announced that the Gundicha Temple will be opened for devotees following a ticketing process. The decision was made by Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee after a joint meeting of the temple’s Cultural and Technical Sub-Committees, chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingh Deb.

Preparations and Infrastructure Overhaul

Preparations for darshan are being fast-tracked, with the ticketing process contingent on government guidelines. Concurrently, a Vishwakarma Puja is being conducted to mark the renovation of Gundicha’s Trap infrastructure, both inside and outside the temple walls. The committees extensively discussed beautification, renovation, and system improvements for the Gundicha Temple, as well as the Indradyumna and Nrusingha temples.

Heritage Upgrades and Modern Amenities

The Shree Jagannath temple complexes are set for a major facelift. At the main temple, old iron railings will be replaced with designer brass railings, similar to those at Maa Bimala and Maa Mahalaxmi temples. The heritage lighting project by the Archaeological Survey of India, spanning Anand Bazaar to Meghanad Pacheri, has been approved. Plans for air-conditioning in the Natamandap have been floated after consultation with temple servitors.

New Projects for Devotees

New initiatives include:

• Shree Mandir Annakshetra on the north side of the Parikrama Project

• Hom Yajna at the south gate and Nam Yajna nearby

• Devotee accommodation building at Niladri Bhakta Niwas (managed by Emar Math)

• Modern office facility at Narendra Mahal

• Resolution of land and encroachment issues

Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

These developments represent a refreshing rejuvenation of Puri’s sacred geography, combining bhakti and modern infrastructure to enhance the devotee experience while preserving the temple’s spiritual and cultural heritage.