Entry fee speculation in Shreemandir!

In days to come, the pilgrims might have to pay for entry into the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Like the Thirupati Temple of Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha Government is likely to impose fees on visitors entering the shrine.

Speculations are rife in Puri that in days ahead the devotees will book ticket before entering the temple. Though the temple administration scotched it, however the headcounts of visitors led the locals to believe that ticket for pilgrims is soon coming here in the Thirupati style.

On Sunday last, police at four doors of the temple conducted counting of entrants while checking them before visit. Some higher police officials present at the doors from the morning to night listed visitors’ number those entered the temple.

From an unofficial source it was learnt that on Sunday alone, nearly 14,000 people visited the temple. On basis of counting, locals said the Jagannath Temple will go the Thirupati way, where pilgrims will purchase a ticket and make a queue before the doors.

 “I heard about the ticket from some servitors. The Government will do whatever it likes as temple belongs to it,” opined Dhira Singh, a betel shopper near the West Gate. He said after 50 years in the shop, he heard about ticketing system. He wanted to know the ticket’s price, asking whether regular visitors will pay or get a relief.

“I have no information on ticket. We made an assessment on visitors in the temple. The assessment was only meant for future arrangements to ensure that the darshan of deities for devotees is made smooth and hassle-free,” said Administrator (Niti) of Jagannath Temple Pradip Dash.

Notably, the Shree Jagannath Temple is going for big reforms these days following a directive of the Supreme Court. As per the SC decision, a 12-point agenda will be carried out to bring in a holistic change in the top shrine of the Hindus.