‘Deba Nimantrana’ (invitation to the shrines) for the grand inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama Prakalp (Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project) in the pilgrim city of Puri was launched on Tuesday. Moreover, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was also extended an invitation.
As per reports, the holy city of Puri is bracing up for the grand inauguration on January 17, 2024.
A delegation comprising Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Ranjan Das and Chhattisa Nijog Nayak Janadarn Pattajoshi Mohapatra from Puri extended an invitation to Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar, the presiding deity of Ekamra Kshetra.
The servitors of Lord Lingaraj accorded the delegation a warm welcome amid traditional music and songs. Attractive jhotis and chittas were drawn on the temple yard. The team was escorted into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple where Lord Lingaraj was offered an invitation card along with coconuts, betel leaves, and maharda.
Speaking to the media, Srimandir servitor Ramchandra Dasmohapatra said, “We all servitors came from Srikshetra to invite Lord Lingaraj.”
Kamalakant Badu, a servitor of Lord Lingaraj said, “Badu sevayats (servitors) received the team from Srikshetra and offered ‘Jalalagi’ to the Lord.”
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SJTA administrator Ranjan Das said that 13 teams moved out from Srikshetra to give invitations to the shrines and temples in Odisha while 17 other teams will go out of the state to distribute invitations to major religious shrines. The temple administration has constituted 30 teams to distribute invitations at the shrines across the country.