The iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri saw a historic moment on June 13 as all four of its gates were reopened to the public, ending the inconvenience caused by their prolonged closure since the Covid-19 pandemic. This move, spearheaded by newly appointed Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, was a key promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their election campaign and has significant cultural and political implications.
The BJP, which achieved a landslide victory in both the Lok Sabha and the Odisha Assembly elections, had promised to open all four gates of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple if elected. Previously, only the ‘Singhadwara’ (Lion Gate) had been open, causing considerable hardship for devotees wishing to access the temple. The other three gates—Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghra Dwara (Tiger Gate), and Hasti Dwara (Elephant Gate)—had remained closed.
Clearing the air about the significance of the opening of all three doors of the Jagannath Puri temple and who was responsible for its closure, Gauri Prasad Rath, VHP Zonal Joint Secreatry, stated, “The primary objective of the opening of the four doors was to ensure that the devotees do not face any problems when they come to worship. During the time of Covid 19, three out of the four doors were closed on the alleged orders of VK Pandyan.” Rath added that this was an important poll issue, and the BJP had promised that it would ensure that all four doors are opened within 24 hours after they come to power. He said, “The devotees are elated that all the four doors have been opened and they do not have to face any problems. The locals are also happy at the decision of the government.”
Rath stated that on June 12, when the administration inquired as to on whose orders the barricades were placed at the entrance of the temple and why only one door was kept open, they were aghast to know that it was on the alleged vocal orders of VK Pandiyan, who was supposedly the most trusted man of the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik. Rath also stated that there was no written order available with regards to the closure of the three gates.
Rath said that owing to the opening of one gate only, the devotees who came to the Jaganatth mandir to worship had to stand in long queues for three to four hours. Now this problem has been resolved as all the four gates of the mandir are opened.
Know the Significance of the Four Doors of Jagannath Temple
The outer wall of the Jagannath Temple features four gates, each opening in a different direction and symbolically represented by an animal. These gates are not only architectural features but also hold deep spiritual significance:
Singhadwara (Lion Gate): Located in the east, this gate is adorned with statues of crouching lions and symbolises ‘Mokshya’ (liberation). It is named after the Narasimha avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu, with the belief that entering through this gate grants mokshya.
Ashvadwara (Horse Gate): Facing south, this gate represents ‘Kama’ (lust) with two galloping horses. Legend says that devotees sacrifice lustful feelings when entering through this gate, and historically, kings entered here seeking victory in battles.
Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate): Located in the west, this gate symbolises Dharma (one’s duty). It serves as a reminder for devotees to adhere to their dharma, reinforcing spiritual discipline.
Hastidwara (Elephant Gate): The northern gate, flanked by colossal elephant statues, symbolizes wealth and is considered the entrance for those seeking blessings for prosperity.
Political Context and the Election Campaign
The issue of the closed gates became a significant poll topic, with the BJP criticising the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for its handling of temple affairs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the issue of the “missing” keys to the Ratna Bhandar, the inner treasury of the Jagannath Temple, accusing the BJD of failing to maintain transparency regarding the temple’s valuable inventory.
In public meetings, Shah argued, “The tradition of Jagannath Dham has been lowered in the name of promoting Puri as a tourist hub. The Shreekshetra (Puri) has been transformed into a commercial centre. The mutts have been demolished, and the four entry doors of Jagannath Temple remain closed. There was a conspiracy to stop Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath.”
Chief Minister Majhi’s Immediate Action
At his first Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi addressed the inconvenience caused to devotees by the closed doors and announced the allocation of Rs 500 crore for temple beautification and repairs. Majhi’s swift action in reopening the gates aligns with the BJP’s commitment to preserving and enhancing cultural and religious heritage, fulfilling a critical electoral promise.
The reopening of all four gates of the Jagannath Temple is not just a fulfillment of a political pledge but a significant cultural restoration, reaffirming the temple’s importance in the spiritual lives of millions. As the temple resumes its full accessibility, it marks a new chapter in its rich history, blending tradition with contemporary governance.
