Gundicha Temple Reopens in Puri from December 1, 2025 | Jagannath Birthplace Restored
The historic Gundicha Temple in Puri, revered as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath, will reopen to devotees on December 1, 2025, after remaining closed for more than five years.
Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida confirmed the decision, stating that all necessary arrangements have been made for smooth darshan.
The temple was closed in 2020 due to COVID‑19 restrictions, and subsequent repair and renovation work prolonged the closure.
Thousands of Jagannath devotees from across India and abroad were unable to visit the sanctum and the sacred Adapa Mandap during this period.
With renovations now complete and encroachments cleared, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will directly manage Gundicha Temple operations instead of outsourcing them through tenders.
Authorities are also considering a ticketed entry system to streamline crowd management. Facilities such as cloakrooms, first‑aid centres, and ticket counters are being set up to ensure convenience for devotees.
A detailed guideline will soon be issued to regulate sanitation, security, and crowd control measures.
The reopening marks a significant moment for Jagannath culture, restoring access to one of Puri’s most sacred sites ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.
