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Puri: Marking the beginning of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, the Snana Purnima rituals began at Puri Srimandir today amid tight security.
Puri Gajapati Dibya Singha Deb performed Chhera Pahanra on Snana Mandap after the Chaturdha Murti were given ceremonial bath.
Puri Gajapati Dibya Singha Deb on Snana Mandap for Chhera Pahanra after the Chaturdha Murti were given ceremonial bath on #SnanaPurnima #RathaJatra #RathYatra #RathYatra2019 [PC: Rakesh Roul] pic.twitter.com/TaOzbB6abs
— OTV (@otvnews) June 17, 2019
Earlier in the morning, the idol of ‘Sudarshan’ was carried from the sanctum sanctorum in a procession or Dhadi Pahandi to the Snana Bedi or bathing altar, located on the temple premises.
Thereafter, Lord Balabhadra was brought in a ritualistic Pahandi to the bathing altar, followed by Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra.
After the Chaturdha Murti were given ceremonial bath, Puri Gajapati Dibya Singha Deb conducted the ceremonial 'Chhera Pahanra'.
Puri Gajapati Dibya Singha Deb on Snana Mandap for Chhera Pahanra after the Chaturdha Murti were given ceremonial bath on #SnanaPurnima #RathaJatra #RathYatra #RathYatra2019 [PC: Rakesh Roul] pic.twitter.com/TaOzbB6abs
— OTV (@otvnews) June 17, 2019
After the bathing ritual, the deities adorned the ‘Gajanana Vesha’ (elephant dress). It is believed that Lord Jagannath takes the elephant attire to please his devotees who worship Lord Ganesh.
Devotees in large numbers witness Gajanana Besha of Lord Jagannath & his sibling deities #Puri #SnanaJatra #RathYatra #RathYatra2019 #RathaJatra #Odisha pic.twitter.com/c3K6aluhLc
— OTV (@otvnews) June 17, 2019
Meanwhile, the district administration has made elaborate security arrangements headed by IG Central range Soumendra Priyadarshi for the smooth conduct of the holy bath rituals of the three deities.
Around 42 platoons of police force, three commandants, nine ASPs and 16 DSPs, one section of Special Tactical Unit (STU) and 224 officers will be in charge of the security at the Srimandir.
To ensure smooth flow of vehicular traffic, the city has been divided into four parking zones near Jagannath Ballav, district school, SCS College.