Puri: Fresh from their recuperation from fever after a special cure during the Anasara period, the Holy Trinity of Lord Balabhadra, Jagannath and Devi Subhadra will appear for the devotees for the first time after a fortnight today.
The event marked as 'Nabajouban Darshan' is the most important and last phase preparations of the Lords before the commencement of Rath Yatra festivities on July 4.
On occasion of the special ritual, lakhs of devotees are likely to visit Puri Srimandir to get first glimpse of the Lords today ahead of Sri Gundicha Yatra.
As per rituals, Datta Mohapatra servitors will perform traditional ‘shringar’ (make up) of the deities during the special ‘Banakalagi’ ritual between 9 AM to 12 PM.
Banaka Lagi derives its name from ‘Bana’ means forest and ‘Lagi’ means apply. Certain rare forest products used to prepare four types of colours- such as haritala (red), hengula (yellow), sankha (white) and black are applied on the face the dieties. The secret ritual takes a few hours of judicious painting.
After the makeup ritual, the Lords will be decorated and placed back on Ratna Singhasan (the jewel throne) in the Sanctum Sanctorum where the devotees can have their darshan for the first time in 15 days.
Devotees will be allowed for Paramanik darshan of the deities (for ticket holders ) from the Bhitara Katha of the shrine from 2.30 PM to 3.30 PM. Thereafter, the 'Sarbasadharan darshan' (free public darshan) will begin by 3.30 PM and continue till 4.30 PM.
In view of the preparations, devotees will not be allowed entry into the 12th century shrine till 2.30 PM.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the district police and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration for smooth and hassle free conduct of the special ritual.