Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri reopened for devotees today after remaining closed for nine months in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The much-awaited darshan of the sibling deities – Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, began at 7 am amid strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines for servitors and their family members only, officials said.

Around 2130 servitors and their family members, taking together around 12,000 persons, got the first opportunity to catch the glimpse of gods Jagannath, Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra
Darshan for the residents of Puri municipality area will commence from 26 December till 31 December.

The shrine will be thrown open for all devotees, irrespective of their places of stay from 3 January.