RULES OF JAGANNATH TEMPLE

Who is allowed in Jagannath Temple of Puri?

As per the small stone slab on the left pillar of the entrance of Jagannath Temple (Lion's gate), it is clearly stated in five languages (Hindi, Odia, Bengali, English and Urdu) that, "NONE BUT ONLY ORTHODOX HINDUS ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TEMPLE OF SRI JUGANNATH DEB". It is a strict rule and an age-old tradition, and no exceptions even made for famous politicians, sportsmen, actors, head of states and even for Queens/Kings of different countries.

Another small information board put by the Britishers on the left side of the left pillar of the entrance of Jagannath Temple (Lion's gate) states that "ONLY HINDUS ARE ALLOWED".

Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists (only Indian) are allowed in Jagannath Temple.

DONT'S

• There is no entry fee. Please don't pay any money to anyone to enter the Jagannath Temple premises.
• Do not touch any idols or Deities inside the temples.
• Footwear, umbrella, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, cameras, and leather articles are strictly prohibited inside the temple.
• Arms and ammunition are forbidden inside the temple complex.
• Consumption of liquor, smoking and other intoxicants are prohibited inside temple premises.
• Do not carry non-vegetarian and other cooked food items inside the temple.
• Spitting, urinating, or defecating in the premises of temple are strictly prohibited.
• Do not pollute or damage temple premises.

DO'S

• Shoe stand and locker facility is provided by temple administration at Lion’s gate, please keep your shoes and valuables here before entering the temple
• Follow queue system, wherever available or advised by temple administration, for hassle free darshan of Deities and Bedha Parikrama (compound circumambulation) of the temple.
• Respect ancient customs and practices inside Jagannatha temple premises.
• Always promote religion sentiments among co-pilgrims.
• Always maintain silence inside the temple.
• Deposit your offerings, if you wish to, in the Hundi (donation box) and branch office inside the temple premises.
• Keep the premises of the temple neat and clean.
• Beware of pick-pocketers and monkeys.
• Complaint/suggestion box/book is available in the temple branch office and information centre at Lion's gate, please utilize if you have any complaint/suggestion.
• For police help, please contact the temple out post at Lion's gate.

Why non-Hindus are not allowed inside Jagannath Temple?

Puri Jagannath Temple suffered 18 attacks by Muslim invaders and foreigners, who stole the wealth, damaged the temple and desecrated the idols of presiding Deities. The idols were hidden at different places every time the temple was attacked. For a long time, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were relocated from one place to another to keep Them away from the plunderers. For almost 144 years, Lord Jagannath has to stay away from Jagannath Temple due to these invasions

After these Islamic attacks on Shri Jagannath Temple, it was decided by the temple management that Muslims will henceforth not be allowed inside the temple in order to keep the temple premises safe, secure and pure.

How can non-Hindus get a darshan of the Deities?

Once a year, during the Rath Yatra (Car Festival), in the month of June-July, the deities step out of the Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) and come outside of the temple premises. During Car Festival, everyone irrespective of religion, color, age, gender and caste are allowed to have a darshan of the Deities.

On the Devasnan Purnima day (Snana Yatra), the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra along with Lord Sudarshana are ceremonially brought out from the inner sanctum of the main temple to the Snana Mandapa (Bathing pandal). This bathing platform is situated in the north-east corner of Jagannath Temple and besides the outer wall of the temple. It is at such a height that visitors standing outside the temple (on the grand road) also get a clear view of the Deities.

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