PURI, July 10, 2013: Devotees visiting Jagannath temple now need not pay for keeping their belongings in the custody of commercial shoe stands. The Jagannath temple administration on Tuesday opened a counter where pilgrims can keep their shoes, cellphones and luggage for free before entering the temple.

"This pilgrim-friendly step will stop commercial shoe stands from fleecing devotees," said a temple officer. The temple's free shoe stand is adjacent to the Simha Dwar police outpost near the shrine entrance .

More than 60,000 devotees visit Jagannath temple every day. Two illegal shoe stands near the temple were razed during an eviction drive recently but two more continue to function. The private stands charge between Rs 4 and Rs 5 to keep a pair of shoes.

The temple administration had started a free service for keeping cellphones of visitors in 2007, but it had a few takers.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 10, 2013.