TV
The servitors of Srimandir in Puri on Saturday performed the ‘Agyan Mala Bije’ rituals for the three chariots ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra to be celebrated on Sunday. The important ritual was performed after the completion of ‘Sakala Dhupa’ at Srimandir.
After bringing the ‘Agyan Mala’ from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, the senior servitors went in a grand procession to the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra and performed the rituals there.
As per the age-old tradition, the three chariots—Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana were also pulled from Rath Khala towards Singhadwar (Lions Door) by the devotees and police forces following the completion of the ritual. The chariots were kept north-faced towards the Gundicha temple.
“This year devotees will witness a rare Rath Yatra after a long time. With the Lord’s blessings, we are hopeful that this year’s Rath Yatra will be performed smoothly,” said a senior servitor.
“We have full faith in Lord Jagannath. We are blessed to witness all the rituals before the world-famous Rath Yatra,” said a devotee from outside the State.
Meanwhile, with a day left for Lord Jagannath’s annual sojourn, all arrangements have been made by the administration. The chariots have been kept fully ready. As a large number of devotees are expected to witness Rath Yatra this year, elaborate security arrangements have been made by the police administration for the smooth conduct of the grand festival.
Generally, the deities after recovering fully from fever give darshan to the devotees popularly called ‘'Nabajouban Darshan’ which is usually observed a day before the Rath Yatra. However, this year the ‘Nava Youvan Darshan’, Netra Utsav (an important ritual carried out by the priests) and Rath Yatra are falling on the same day after a gap of 53 years.
Under such circumstances, it will be a huge challenge for the servitors and the administration to complete all the rituals to ensure the pulling of chariots starts by 5 pm on Sunday.
