CNN - IBN

New Delhi, Nov 4: Three persons was killed and at least 10 injured when a stampede broke out in the crowded campus of Jagannath temple in Orissa’s Puri town on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred around 0730 hrs (IST) when the temple gates were opened for the day.

A large crowd of devotees, waiting outside rushed in, resulting in the stampede.

A state police contingent was rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

The witnesses have blamed the temple authorities for opening the gates late, letting the crowd of devotees swell up outside.

The 13th century temple is reportedly on the hitlist of terrorist groups and the administration recently banned entry of visitors into the shrine after 2300 hrs (IST).

A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired in March.

Worshippers, who would like to be present in the sanctum sanctorum for the bada shingara besa, the last of the myriad daily rituals in the shrine, would have to enter the temple before 11 at night.

No visitor is allowed entry after the deadline and those inside cannot have to leave the temple precincts before the four gates of the shrine are closed for the night.

However, devotees are allowed into the shrine after 2300 hrs (IST) on the occasion of a few select festivals and specific rituals, but their entry is be strictly regulated.

Closed circuit TVs have been installed at the four gates of the temple and some other vital locations to keep a tab on the crowd inside.