Lunar eclipse to coincide with Dola Purnima; ritual arrangements under review at Puri Srimandir

A lunar eclipse scheduled for March 3 will coincide with Dola Purnima this year, prompting religious and administrative preparations at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The eclipse, described as Ketu-afflicted, has generated significant interest among devotees regarding its timing, associated rituals, and traditional observances.

Devotees have been consulting almanacs and calendars to confirm the precise timing of the eclipse, the duration of the prescribed food abstinence period, and the ritual restrictions linked to the celestial event.

Eclipse Timing and Observances

According to astrologers, the lunar eclipse will begin at 3:20:17 pm on March 3 and conclude after 6:47 pm. As per tradition, food abstinence and suspension of temple rituals begin nine hours before the onset of the eclipse.

Since sunrise on March 3 is at 6:08 am, cooking and consumption of food will remain completely prohibited from that time.

The coincidence of the eclipse with Dola Purnima has raised questions regarding the conduct of customary rituals. On Dola Purnima, deities are traditionally taken out in Dola processions in villages and offered bhog. However, restrictions on cooking, food offerings, and certain worship practices during the eclipse period have led to uncertainty among devotees.

Chhatisha Nijog Meeting

In view of the Suna Besha of the deities and the Dolabedi Bije rituals at the Srimandir, a Chhatisa Nijog meeting is scheduled to be held on February 24 to ensure the orderly conduct of ceremonies.

Jagannath culture expert Surya Narayan Rath Sharma outlined the planned rituals. “Rituals such as Mangala Alati, Tadapalagi, Abakasa Niti, and other morning rituals will be completed. Lord Jagannath will be adorned in Grahana attire. The Grahana Maha Snana ritual will be performed when the eclipse begins. Thereafter, rituals including Suna Besha will be conducted. Lord Jagannath will be seated on the Dola Bedi, and Mandira Parikrama will be performed,” he said.

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Temple authorities are expected to finalise arrangements following the upcoming meeting to ensure adherence to traditional norms while managing the rare convergence of the lunar eclipse and Dola Purnima.