[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

Not only Jena, but a number of other devotees also were in seventh heaven after offering prayers in the shrine, which had been off limits to them during major festivals, including Rath Yatra this year due to the pandemic, since March 20, 2020.

Police verify Covid-19 negative reports of devotees
[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

From Sunday, all devotees (only Hindus) were allowed to go inside the temple to offer prayers. It is mandatory for all devotees to carry Covid-19 negative reports before gaining access in the shrine. At least 7,000 devotees from different states in India visited the temple by showing Covid-19 negative reports.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

"As per our earlier decision, the devotees should show us the Covid-19 negative report, tested at least 96 hours before the visit of the temple. Earlier, we had prescribed a detailed standard operating procedure for the darshan. Those who had not brought their Covid-19 negative reports, were denied entry into the temple," Temple's Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar told media persons.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

Even though the administration had appealed elderly persons and children not to visit the temple amid the pandemic, the bulk of visitors today were above 65 years. "I could not confine myself at home. I had been anxiously waiting for the reopening day," said 63-year-old Gyani Mohapatra, a devotee.

A number of other temples in the state, including Lingaraj shrine at Bhubaneswar also reopened for devotees on Sunday. Devotees turned emotional while catching glimpses of the Deities.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]