The 9-day festival concluded as per the traditions. The ceremonial return of the deities into the temple was kicked off with the customary Goti Pahandi ritual of Lord Sudarshan. Servitors ushered the idol of the Chakraraj into the temple amid the chants of Hari Bol and a chorus of hundreds of gongs and conches.
Bada Thakura Balabhadra descended from his majestic Taladhwaja chariot and was taken into the Srimandir in ceremonial 'pahandi' and later placed on the Ratna Singhashana after staying out of the temple for nearly 11 days.
Thereafter, servitors took out the procession of Jagat Janani Devi Subhadra into the sanctum sanctorum. Adorned with Tahia, the special floral crown, the Goddess was escorted into the temple with the whole atmosphere reverberating with chants.
The Badadanda erupted in the chants of Jai Jagannath as servitors alighted the Lord of the Universe, Kalia Thakura from his chariot, Nandighosa.
As per tradition, His ‘Goti Pahandi’ was obstructed by his consort Goddess Mahalaxmi as She was annoyed at being left behind in the temple. An altercation broke out between him and the angry Goddess Laxmi who refused to let him inside for leaving her alone in the temple during his sojourn.
Lord Jagannath was let in only after he offered rasagolla and a saree to his wife to appease her. With the curtains down on the annual festival, devotees feel blessed after a hiatus of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The excitement of the devotees was uncontained this year as they got to visit the shrine and participate in the Rath Yatra after two years.
Around 180 platoons of armed police personnel, including 1,000 officers of various ranks, had been deployed in and around the city, while 50 CCTV cameras have been installed on Grand Road and other parts of Puri to ensure the safety of the festival.
The Puri administration finally briefed a sigh of relief as the festival went well.
As per the decision taken at the meeting chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, nearly 60% tickets will be sold online while 35% tickets can be bought from the counter and the rest 5% will remain reserved with the Chief Administrator of Srimandir.
All the gold donated by devotees to the deities will be kept in the banks under the gold monetisation scheme, informed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration(SJTA) Chief Administrator Pradipta Mohapatra after the meeting.
"A formal decision was taken to start ticketed darshan for devotees near Bhitara Katha. Apart from this, it has been decided to keep all donations in banks under gold monetisation scheme so that an interest of 2.5% can be generated," Mohapatra said.
The Chief Administrator further informed that a special committee has been formed to take decision on the arrangements to be made for the implementation of the ticket system.
The committee members include SJTA chief, Puri collector, Central Range IG, Puri SP and some members of the Srimandir managing committee. Official sources said a final decision regarding fixation of ticket rates will be taken in the next meeting of the newly formed committee.
"Out of the 10 servitors who were served notice, four of them have submitted their replies. The managing committee has decided that the report will not be made public considering its sensitive nature," Mohapatra said.
The SJTA had served notices to 11 persons based on the report submitted by the then Chief Administrator. After a review, the notice was issued by the temple administration sub-committee to 10 Daitapatis and 1 Maharana servitor for delaying rituals of the holy Trinity.
Krushna Chandra Maharana, chief Maharana (carpenter) of Debadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra who was in-charge of construction of new idols of the holy Trinity had blamed the Daitapati servitors for the fiasco and alleged that there were massive irregularities in ‘daru’ selection.
A few months back when SJTA had announced that the report on the Brahma Paribartan fiasco will not be made public even through RTI queries, Opposition had launched scathing attacks on the ruling-BJD government over the decision.
BJP had termed the move as ‘unconstitutional’ and a ‘violation of basic human rights’.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of rituals and hassle-free darshan of the deities who will be dressed in five different attires (beshas) each day during the Panchuka.
As per the rituals, on the first day of Panchuka, the deities are adorned with ‘Laxmi Narayan’ besha.
Meanwhile, heightened security arrangements have been put in place in the vicinity of the Jagannath temple in the pilgrim town.
According to sources, 15 platoons of police force have been deployed in and around the 12th century shrine. Wooden and iron barricades have been constructed by the administration for crowd management in and around the Srimandir.
“Separate special arrangements have been made for the first three days and next for Kartik Purnima. As many as 15 platoons of police force have been deployed in and around the temple,” Additional SP of Puri, Gagarin Mohanty said.
According to sources, special security measures will be undertaken on the ‘Kartik Purnima’ day and an additional 20 platoons of police forces will be deployed in and around the Srimandir and sea beach.
Similarly, devotees were seen making beelines at different Shiva shrines across the State this morning on the auspicious occasion as today is the last Somvar of the holy month of Kartika.
While the gates were opened at 5:00 am, Mangal aarti was done at 5:40 am. After Mailama, Tadapalagi and Abakasha Niti, Gopalaballav Niti and other rituals will be done around 9 am, temple sources informed.
The Sakala Dhupa will be done between 9:30 am to 10:30 am following which the Mahaprasad will be made available at Bhoga Mandap besides performing of the Madhyana Dhupa. The rituals will be stopped around 2:54 pm after Mailama and Tadapalagi.
After the lunar eclipse commences, a special bhog will be offered around 11:53:48 pm which will be followed by a Sandhya Alati.
"An exclusive ritual is done during the lunar eclipse. By 2:54 pm all the rituals will be completed .Same rituals will be done across all temples in Odisha," Jagannath culture expert Surya Narayan Rath Sharma said.
Astrologer Dr.Naresh Chandra Das said, "During 'pakatyaga' the lords wear a special attire. After 11:53:48, a special bhog is offered to them."
Scientists have termed the ‘blood moon’ as the longest lunar eclipse to take place in a century when the moon will be visible to the human naked eye in a reddish colour.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, people in not only Odisha but throughout the world will be able to see the lunar eclipse also called as ‘blood moon’ by scientists.
Also Read: Puri seer stresses on economic well being of servitors
Reports say the entire event will start from 10.44 pm on July 27 night to 04.58 am early in the morning the next day. The full eclipse will last between 1 am and 2.43 am.
During the event, the moon will appear like a bright reddish orange colour and even turn into deep, dark red being lit up by Sun’s light through a process called refraction- when Sun’s light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and then bent back towards the moon.
“We vehemently protest the SC suggestions. We met the Governor and presented our proposal on entry of non-Hindus into the Srimandir and also hereditary service of the servitors to Lord Jagannath,” said working president of Odisha wing of VHP Badrinath Patnaik.
The annual car festival (Rath Yatra) ensures darshan of the Trinity for all and therefore there is no need to allow non-Hindus into the temple, said Patnaik, adding the VHP will not let non-Hindus enter the sanctum sanctorum at any cost.
Similarly, members of the Srikshetra Chatusampradaya Santha Samiti also met the Governor today and submitted a memorandum drawing his attention towards the safety and security of the Puri Mutt.
"We discussed the measures to be taken for the security of the Mutt's property, its development and future. The Governor assured us to provide all help and also advised to meet the President and the Prime Minister in this regard," said Rama Chandra Das Maharaj, president of the Samiti.
The three chariots Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), Debadalana (Goddess Subhadra) & Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath), returned to Srimandir pulled by a sea of revering devotees marking the end to the nine-day sojourn of the Lord and his siblings to their aunt’s place - Gundicha temple.
The rituals began early as the Pahandi of the Trinity started one and a half hours ahead of schedule.
At around 12:55 PM Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb carried out the ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual following which the Taladhwaja began its retreat towards Srimandir at 2:08 PM. Debadalana began its journey at 2:30 PM followed by Nandighosa at 3:00 PM.
On their way, the Trinity made a brief halt at the ‘Mausi Maa’ temple to taste the ‘Poda Pitha’ following which the three chariots resumed their journey towards the Srimandir.
Keeping in mind the huge turnout of devotees, the Police administration had deployed around 100 platoons of force. For traffic management, 36 platoons were deployed.
“We have replicated the police arrangements of Rath Yatra for the Bahuda Yatra as well for traffic, security, darshan and chariot pulling,” said IG Central Range, Soumendra Priyadarshi.
With the conclusion of Bahuda Yatra, all preparations are being put in place for the ‘Sunabesha' ritual of the Lords tomorrow.
Also Read: Rath Yatra 2017: Suna Besha of Trinity today
“I hope that the weather remains as conducive as today so that the Sunabesha ritual tomorrow can be completed on time,” said Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, the chief Badagrahi of Lord Jagannath.
The final schedule was then presented at the meeting of the Chhatisa Nijog, which approved the same.
According to sources, the decision on the proposal for allowing families of servitors on to the Snana Mandap will be taken at a later date.
Similarly, a call on the proposal to allow the disciples of Puri Shankaracharya on to the Snana Mandap will be taken later at the Sri Mandir Management Committee meeting.
It is believed that devotees get divine blessings after having darshan of the rare appearance of the deities.
However, devotees will give a miss to the darshan of deities like last year due to the Covid pandemic.
The 'Chaka Apasara' ritual was performed in the morning followed by Mangala Alati and Abakash rituals. The Naba Jauban darshan ritual will be conducted after 'Bahuda Bije of Dasavatar' at noon.
The Khadi Prasad ritual at the Srinaara ( royal palace of Puri) was completed on Thursday. Khadi Prasad, a semi-liquid solution was applied on the bodies of the deities (Sri Anga) throughout the night, marking the end of the secret rituals of the lords.
“All rituals are being conducted smoothly. The Chhattisha Nijoga, Daitapatis and all other servitors are working tirelessly for a hassle-free Ratha Yata this year. I pray Mahaprabhu Jagannath to shower blessings on all,” said Binayak Das Mohapatra, a senior servitor at Sri Mandir.
The deities were under treatment for fever at Anasara Ghara after the ceremonial bath on Snana Purnima. After 14-days of secret treatment, the holy trinity recovered fully from the fever.
The deities were administered herbal drugs prepared by the Raj Vaidya (Royal Physician).
The district administration has decided not to impose shutdown restrictions in Puri on Saturday. However, the curfew will remain in force from Sunday 8 pm to Tuesday 8 pm, officials said.
In his home, he has instated the Holy Trinity and ensures that all rituals of the deities are conducted. So much so that he conducts the ceremonial beshas (avatars) of the Lord and his siblings. Be it Lord’s Bada Singhara Besha or Nagarjuna Besha. Be it Padma Besha, or even the famous Suna Besha, Subhranshu ensures that all traditional rituals are followed to perfection. Such is Shubhranshu’s devotion that even his family members say that he doesn’t start his day or even consume a morsel of food, till he offers his prayers to the almighty.
Subhranshu’s devotion has reached far and wide. Villagers often praise this teenager’s immense reverence towards Lord Jagannath. They say that since they can’t visit Srimandir often, they get to experience the various beshas (outfits) of the Lord at Subhranshu’s place.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) today informed that the devotees will not be allowed to have darshan as the ‘Shree Anga Surakhya Niti’ rituals of the deities have already begun since late last night followed by the 'Senapata lagi'.
As per the ritual, servitors will apply a paste made of 'Baula Katha' to the deities to protect them during the 'Pahandi Bije' rituals ahead of being taken to the 'Snana Mandap' for the royal bath ceremony tomorrow.
During the Snana Yatra, the deities will be bathed in 108 pitchers of aromatic water at Snana Mandap tomorrow. Following this, the deities will catch fever and Daitapati servitors will perform rituals to cure the Lords.
After the ‘Nabajouban’ darshan of the Holy Trinity, the Rath Yatra festival will begin on July 4.
The return journey, Bahuda Yatra, will be held on July 12. As pre the schedule, the Sunabesha of the deities aboard the chariots is scheduled on July 13. Niladri Bije will mark the end of the festival.
Meanwhile, carpenters are busy in construction work of chariots at the ‘Ratha Khala’ in the pilgrim city as few daya are left for the annual chariot festival.
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.
One such family is of Rajkishore Nayak's, who have been preparing beautiful artificial flowers made of thermocol for decoration on the three chariots during Rath Yatra.
As per rituals, Raj Kishore’s family members, residents of Khurda, begin preparations for flower designing from the day of Akshay Tritiya and complete all works by the end of Anasara period of the Holy Trinity. On the day of Netra Utsav, Raj Kishore himself decorates all the three chariots with numerous flowers made in the shape of Sebati and Kadamba.
After getting permission for decoration in the three chariots in 2003, Rajkishore’s family has been sincerely carrying out this responsibility for free.
“We feel humbled that we have dedicated ourselves for the service of the God. We will continue to serve Lord Jagannath till our last breath,” Raj Kishore said.
Similarly, there is another family which credits itself for weaving one of the most beautiful adornments of Lord Jagannath, the Khandua Pata (special cloth worn by the Holy Trinity). The family of Trilochan Das, a resident of Athagarh area in Cuttack, has earned the distinction of weaving the special clothes for generations. From Snana Yatra to Anabasara, Ghosa Yatra to Niladri Bije, Trilochan’s family provides Khandua Pata for the Lords on every special occasion.
On the responsibility to serve the Holy Trinity, Trilochan said, “Designing Khandua for Lord Jagannath has become a part of our lives and as far as I remember, my father used to do it and now I am also inspiring my successor to take up this important duty to serve the God.”
To ensure smooth conduct of the ritual, a committee has been set up by the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). The committee includes servitors of Suara Mahasuara Nijog and Daitapati Nijog, informed Chief Administrator of SJTA, Pradipta Mohapatra.
"To avoid any squabble like before, committees have been formed to ensure smooth conduct of the rituals," said Mohapatra.
The ‘pana’ is a rich drink prepared by the Mahasuara servitors with milk, banana, cheese, aromatic spices and water. The water used to prepare the drink is collected by Pania Apat servitors from a well on the premises of Chhauni mutt near the Singhadwara.
Apart from the Trinity, the energy drink is also offered to other divine embodiments present on the three chariots known as parsvadevatas and invisible powers.
The Niladri Bije ritual of the Holy Trinity will be conducted tomorrow.
Lord Rama, Krishna & Madanmohan were first taken inside Srimandir in ‘Pahandi’ followed by the Pahandi of Lord Sudarshan.
Subsequently, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were carried into the sanctum sanctorum of the Srimandir by the fervent servitors amidst a massive crowd of devotees witnessing the deities’ return to the temple.
Following this, Lord Jagannath was escorted to ‘Bheta Mandap’ in the ceremonial Pahandi where He met Goddess Laxmi and offered Rasagolas to her. It is believed that the Mahaprabhu offers the sweet to appease Goddess Laxmi, as she was upset after being left alone at the Srimandir by the Holy Trinity. After completion of the ritual, Lord Jagannath was escorted to the Ratna Singhasan where he joined his siblings.
Niladri Bije of Mahaprabhu Jagannath
Mesmerising scenes in #Puri! Mahaprabhu enters His abode at Srimandir after annual sojourn #WATCH Servitors carrying Lord Jagannath in the ceremonial Pahandi on #NiladriBije#RathYatra2019 #NiladriBije #RathYatraWithOTV #RathaJatra #Odisha pic.twitter.com/zrriPdCxlR
— OTV (@otvnews) July 15, 2019
Niladri Bije of Devi Subhadra
Niladri Bije, the final ritual of Rath Yatra underway in #Puri. #WATCH Pahandi of Devi Subhadra #RathYatra2019 #NiladriBije #RathYatraWithOTV #RathaJatra #Odisha pic.twitter.com/9mbJbeaFmP
— OTV (@otvnews) July 15, 2019
Niladri Bije of Lord Balabhadra
#WATCH: Lord Balabhadra carried by servitors from the chariot in ceremonial Pahandi to Puri #Srimandir #RathYatra2019 #NiladriBije #RathYatraWithOTV #RathaJatra pic.twitter.com/epOqRLCgnm
— OTV (@otvnews) July 15, 2019
Though the services of 108 Garabadu will required for the conduct of the Debasnana Purnima, the authorities have decided to conduct COVID19 tests of around 172 servitors. The servitors will undergo COVID test on May 29 and 30 while the reports are expected to be received by June 3. The Snana Purnima or the bathing ritual of the Holy Trinity of Puri Jagannath Temple is scheduled to be held on June 5.
“We have a total of 172 members and all of them will undergo COVID testing,” said Rajat Kumar Pratihari, Secretary of Garabadu Nijog.
Apart from Garabadu servitors, 150 servitors of Daitapati Nijogs also participate in the Debasnana Purnima rituals. Though the administration had conducted a workshop to create awareness among the daitapati servitors on COVID-19 recently, no decision on their COVID testing has been taken.
“We are ready to abide by all the rules and regulations and conduct the rituals,” said Ravindar Das Mohapatra, president of Daitapati Nijog.
As per tradition, servitors of 10 Nijogs including Garabadu, Daitapati, Suara, Mahasuara, Suarabadu and others are involved in the rituals. However, concerns were raised whether COVID testing will be conducted only for Garabadu servitors or extended to other Nijogs as well.
Clearing the air, Ajay Kumar Jena, Development Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) informed that a list has been sought from all Nijogs by May 25 and the servitors who will be engaged during the Snana Purnima rituals will have to undergo COVID testing.
Meanwhile, the construction of chariots for Puri Rath Yatra is going on in full swing at construction yard. So far, the work for construction of 31 wheels has been completed while construction of 11 more wheels has reached the final stages, informed sources.
Also Read: Rath Yatra: Snana Purnima Likely To Be Held With Minimum Servitors
(Edited by Bikram Keshari Jena)
On January 3, the day the Puri Jagannath Temple was thrown open for public, thousands of devotees rushed to catch a glimpse of the Holy Trinity. However, scenes were quite contrary on January 5, as Badadanda wore a deserted look.
It was observed that very few devotees turned up to seek blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and His siblings, thanks to the SJTA guidelines seeking a Covid negative report from all devotees visiting the shrine.
With the mandatory Covid negative report rule in place, many devotees preferred darshan of Patitapabana, rather than offering prayers at Ratna Singhasana.
A devotee from Nayagarh who had come along with family and was deprived of darshan of the Lords said, "Where do we get us tested? It is not conducted for free anywhere. We are hurt, but we've no option other than having a darshan of Patitapabana."
Even Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal could not enter the temple and had to offer prayers from outside as he did not have the mandatory Covid negative report.
"Based on SOPs finalised, a Covid negative report is made compulsory for all devotees to gain access to Srimandir, and those who are non-residents of Puri should get themselves tested at their respective local hospitals and avail a negative report. This has however reduced the footfall to some extent," SJTA administrator (development) Ajay Kumar Jena said.
For many persons coming to the pilgrim town with family, not only is Covid testing a frantic job, but it is also burning holes in their pockets.
The State government last month re-fixed the maximum cost for Rapid Antigen Test conducted by private labs in Odisha at Rs 100 (inclusive of GST), and an order in this regard was also issued by H&FW department on December 21, 2020.
Throwing government orders to the wind, the only private lab open for conducting tests of devotees who do not have a negative report is allegedly profiteering in the name of antigen test by charging high fees, probably four times the rate fixed by the government.
With no testing facilities at the Puri district headquarters hospital for visitors or pilgrims, they are now a distressed lot.
A devotee belonging to Kolkata said, "We went to the government hospital, but there's no facility for us there. Then we came to the private lab for testing, we will collect the reports and visit Srimandir. They have charged Rs 400 for Covid test."
In response, Ipsita Mishra, the Director of e-24 lab said, "The government has fixed the rate at Rs 100, but no private lab follows this or can follow and there are reasons aplenty. The kits alone cost us Rs 112. Plus there are people engaged for portals, collecting samples, they wear PPE kits. How do we get the extra charges used for these persons or additional equipment being used?"
Dr Sujata Mishra, the Puri CDMO stated that the government hospital is not testing tourists or pilgrims. "The only lab that is authorised for Covid testing is e-24, and it charges Rs 400 for the same. I had also conducted an enquiry on this. And in case any fresh norms are made for tourists, we will definitely follow that."
Before temple-unlock, the administration had expected a congregation of at least 15000 to 17000 devotees. However on the first day of reopening, the number stood at just over 4500 and the abode of Lord Jagannath constantly witnessed a slump in turnout of devotees thereafter.