Rath Yatra: Nabajauban darshan of deities begins at Puri Srimandir

Puri: With just a few hours left for the world famous Rath Yatra festivities to kick off, the pilgrim town is already brimming with lakhs of devotees reaching here for the 'Nabajaubana darshan' - first glimpse of the deities after their 15 day healing ritual at 'Anasaragruha' of  the Puri Srimandir.

Fresh from their recuperation after a special cure, the holy trinity - Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were glammed up by the Dasmohapatra servitors as part of the ‘Banakalagi’ ritual yesterday.Thousands of ardent devotees could be spotted waiting in long serpentine queues since wee hours today to catch a glimpse of the deities.

After entry through Dakhina Dwara (south gate), devotees can have darshan of the deities from the Bhitara Katha since the Jagamohan has been opened for public entry this year.Sources said the Chaka 'Apasara' ritual of deities has been completed since 6 am and the 'Parimanik' darshan of the Trinity has begun from 8 am. General darshan of the deities will begin from 9 am to 10.30 am.

The temple management has made all arrangements for smooth and hassle free completion of the special ritual. Security has been beefed up in the holy town in view of the festivities.