Nepal King to visit Srimandir tomorrow; general darshan restricted

Puri: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has decided to bar 'darshan' by devotees between 9 AM and 12 noon tomorrow on account of Nepal King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev's visit to the temple.

The temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements for Nepal King's visit. As per the schedule, the gate of the temple will be opened at 3 AM followed by 'Mangala Alati' and Bhoga Mandap rituals at 9.30 AM. The temple will be cleansed with sacred water at 10 AM.

The king will enter the shrine through the South gate and will offer prayers to 'Bata Ganesh' and Goddess 'Sarba Mangala' first. Later, he will have darshan of the trinity near 'Garuda Stambha' before entering the sanctum sanctorum through 'Jay Bijay' gate. Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Dev will usher him to the Ratna Singhashan of the deities, informed sources.

The last Hindu king of the world will embellish the deities with gold ornaments and will offer 'Alati' atop 'Ratna Singhashan'.

King Gyanendra has been a part of the two-day ‘International Bidwata Sangosthi' event which was organised on the occasion of 25th anniversary of 'Pattabhiseka' of Puri Sankaracharya.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attended the event during its valedictory ceremony today.

"I am blessed to be a part of the holy celebration. It is indeed a sacred experience for me," Patnaik said after attending the programme.