Bhubaneswar, Sep 15 - The Jagannath temple in Puri, one of the most revered Hindu shrines, has decided to open its doors to wheelchair-bound devotees, an official said. But the temple authorities have taken no decision on building ramps for the wheelchairs.

'We had a proposal to make special arrangements for the handicapped devotees. We are seriously considering the proposal. We will implement it soon,' said Kashinath Pujapanda, a temple official.

The 12th century temple in Puri town of Orissa, considered one of the four temples that Hindu devotees must visit during their lifetime, has a strict entry code. The entry of non-Hindus or people wearing caps and leather belts is strictly prohibited.

A disabled person cannot go into the temple with a wheelchair. But the temple authorities do allow entry to disabled, old and paralysed people with the help of family members and temple servitors.

'Every human being passes through phases in his life where he or she is dependent on someone else. The Lord (Jagannath) himself is limbless.