News from Puri

Puri district is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal in the state of Odisha. Puri is also known as Jagannath Puri. It is considered as one “Dhaam” among four holy “Dhaam” in India. The holy script of the Skanda Purana describes Puri as the resting place of Lord Vishnu. Apart from this Puri district is famous for its golden sea beach and black pagoda or sun temple of Konark. The famous heritage art village Raghurajpur is in this district, where artisans paint world famous Pattachitra painting. Puri Khaja, Khechuudi, Dalma has its own special flavor.

Lord Jagannath’s ‘Banakalagi’ ritual to be held tomorrow; no public darshan for 5 hours
Lord Jagannath’s ‘Banakalagi’ ritual to be held tomorrow; no public darshan for 5 hours

The ritual of the deities should have been observed after the Niladribije ritual. But it couldn’t be held due to a dispute over the day of the ritual between the Dattamohapatra servitors and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). 

On foot from Vrindavan to Puri, Kyrgyz youth takes shelter in Lord Jagannath's abode
On foot from Vrindavan to Puri, Kyrgyz youth takes shelter in Lord Jagannath's abode

Ulu Ulukbek, a Kyrgyzstan citizen, was so much attracted to the ‘Sanatan Dharma’ that he flew all the way to India on a student VISA in 2017. In India, he embarrassed ISKCON and started to live in Sri Sri Parthasarathi Mandir in New Delhi. 

Puri Srimandir
Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar needs repair, work will begin after green signal from High Court: ASI

The Superintendent of Archaeology (Puri Mandal) of the ASI, Dibishad Garnaik said this after submitting an affidavit in the Orissa High Court regarding the same.

Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati
Reopening of Ratna Bhandar: Puri Shankaracharya expresses displeasure, says no suggestions

Puri Shankaracharya said that it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter as no one- the Managing Committee, the SJTA, the Odisha government or the servitors- has not sought his views.

Puri Srimandir
Puri Srimandir Banakalagi ritual day finalised

In case there are other rituals on a particular Wednesday, then the ritual can be conducted on Thursday, informed Puri Collector, Samarth Verma.

Singhadwara of Puri Srimandir
All Srimandir doors cannot be opened until completion of Parikrama project: Puri Collector

“We will take a final decision on reopening all four gates only after the completion of the Parikrama Project. Until then the existing arrangements of entry and exit will continue in Srimandir,” Verma added.

Srimandir Ratna Bhandar
Puri Srimandir Managing Committee to request Odisha govt to reopen Ratna Bhandar

The decision was taken after the ASI shot a letter to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) requesting permission to conduct a survey of the Ratna Bhandar.

Cyber Fraud
Odisha Tourism sector now soft target for cyber fraudsters; fake hotel websites create flutter

The criminals create fake websites in the name of genuine hotels including several five-star hotels and loot money from tourists on the pretext of room bookings. If anyone searches for room availability on the internet, there is every possibility that one might come across such fake websites.

Puri Srimandir
Banakalagi ritual in Puri Srimandir to be held on next Wednesday

As per the Srimandir Record of Rights, the ritual should be held at least four times a month, but a reported dispute between the SJTA and the Dattamohapatra servitors has resulted in the disruption of the ritual.

Stalemate over ‘Banakalagi’ ritual at Puri Srimandir continues as management committee meeting postp
Stalemate over ‘Banakalagi’ ritual at Puri Srimandir continues as management committee meeting postponed

At the Niti (ritual) sub-committee meeting held on July 28, it was decided that the decision regarding the ‘Banakalagi’ ritual would be taken at the management committee meeting. Since the meeting has been postponed, it is certain that the impasse will continue, at least for some more days.  

Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar has 1.5 quintal gold: SJTA  to Orissa HC
Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar has 1.5 quintal gold: SJTA  to Orissa HC

The Srimandir’s treasure trove was opened in 1978 and then the ornaments were counted. Then it was estimated that the Ratna Bhandar had 149 kilograms 460 grams gold and 184 kilograms of silver. 

Baba attacked by self-styled godman in Puri succumbs to injuries 
Baba attacked by self-styled godman in Puri succumbs to injuries 

Self-styled godman of Gurukrupa Ashram at Lokanath road in Puri had attacked Arjuna Das and Dayanidhi Das on Saturday.

Murder in Puri
Self-styled godman detained for killing another baba in Puri

As per initial reports, Das was attacked by the self-styled godman, identified as Bishnu Das. Another baba has also been injured in the attack by Bishnu inside the Ashram. The injured, Dayanidhi is now undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Stalemate over Banakalagi ritual at Puri Srimandir continues as sub-committee meeting bears no fruit 
Stalemate over Banakalagi ritual at Puri Srimandir continues as sub-committee meeting bears no fruit 

It was expected that something positive with respect to the ritual would come out of the Niti sub-committee’s meeting today. But the meeting ended without any consensus. 

Puri Srimandir
Miscreants loot cash from donation box of Puri Srimandir

The matter came to light after the Jagannath Temple Police (JTP) personnel recovered an empty donation box from the backside of Nrusingha temple. The JTP has handed over the donation box to Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

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