Lord Jagannath’s ‘daru’ brought to ground

Bhubaneswar: The Daru (holy neem tree) meant for making of the idol of Lord Jagannath was axed after conclusion of Yajna Purnahuti held at Kharipadia near Raghunathpur in Jagatsinghpur district this evening.

The Yajna process continued for last two days. The Swatri Brahamans conducted the Purnahuti today paving the way for the felling of the Daru. After Purnahuti, a secret puja was held beneath the sacred tree in presence of Daitapati members.

The vidyapati initiated the process with a stroke of the golden axe on the tree followed by Biswabasu with silver axe. Subsequently, the tree was chopped by the servitors using the iron axe.

After the daru was brought to the ground and certain rituals thereof, a special wooden cart will be made to transport the wood.

The atmosphere at the location of daru is electric marked by chanting of prayers and ululation by devotees. Unprecedented numbers of devotees are visiting the place to have a glimpse of the tree whose wood will be used to recreate the idol of lord Jagannath after 19 long years.

Meanwhile, Goddess Subhadra’s ‘daru’, which is on its way to Puri has left Bhubaneswar. Thousands of devotees are gathering on the route to take a glimpse of the daru which has been on its journey towards Jagannath temple from Jagatsinghpur.