Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri town will remain closed for five hours on Sunday for observance of Ram Navami rituals.
Devotees will be barred from general darshan of the sibling deities from 5 pm to 10 pm, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) informed on Saturday.
Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar cycle of Chaitra (March–April), the first month in the Hindu calendar.
According to sources, a secret ritual signifying mother Kaushalya giving birth to Lord Ram is held at the 12th-century shrine on this occasion. Dutta Mohapatra servitors and Khadiprasad Daitapati servitors will perform the ritual.
The day also witnesses the commencement of Sahi Jatra in the pilgrim town.
Also Read: Odisha’s Puri Gears Up For ‘Sahi Jata’ From Ram Navami
Apart from this, the timber logs will also be given shape in the mill for construction of three chariots, which is scheduled to begin from Akshay Tritiya, for the annual Rath Yatra.
