Banakalagi ritual: Puri Jagannath Temple to remain closed for devotees for 5 hours today

The holy Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain closed to devotees from 5 pm to 10 pm today (April 23) for the sacred Banakalagi ritual. Notably, this sacred ritual is performed in secret and involves the ceremonial repainting of the deities, and is also considered to be a vital tradition aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the idols.

Banakalagi: A Sacred Tradition

Banakalagi, translating to ‘applying fresh colours,’ involves adorning the deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Maa Subhadra, with natural pigments such as hingula (red), haritala (yellow), sankha (white), kasturi (black), and other organic substances.

The ritual is performed by the Dutta Mohapatra servitors on the Ratna Bedi (jewelled altar) and is conducted in secrecy, necessitating the temporary suspension of public darshan. 

Recent Maha Snana Following Sanctity Breach

This Banakalagi comes shortly after an unusual incident that prompted a Maha Snana (great purification bath) of the deities.

A jawan reportedly injured his foot on broken glass within the temple premises, leading to blood stains in the temple premises. In adherence to age-old traditions, the priests performed the Maha Snana ritual to restore the temple's sanctity, resulting in a temporary halt of daily rituals and public darshan.

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Impact on Devotees and Ratna Bhandar Work

During the five-hour closure today, devotees will not have access to the main sanctum but may offer prayers to side deities in other parts of the temple complex. Additionally, the ongoing repair work of the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) has been paused to accommodate these rituals. 

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration urges devotees to respect these sacred practices, emphasising their importance in preserving the spiritual integrity of the temple.