Puri: To ensure smooth and hassle-free passage for thousands of devotees heading to the revered Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri, the Puri administration has announced temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles along two critical routes from June 30 to July 13.
Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida issued the order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Section 173 of the Odisha Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993. No heavy vehicles or goods carriers will be permitted on the routes from Mangala Ghat to Satapada and from Khajuria to Brahmagiri Market Square between 6 am and 10 pm during this period.
District officials have urged operators of heavy vehicles to use alternative routes to minimise inconvenience. The Regional Transport Office, Puri, has appealed for public cooperation to support the smooth conduct of the festival.
The restrictions coincide with the sacred Anasara period of Lord Jagannath and his siblings at Shree Jagannath Temple, which begins immediately after Snana Yatra (Debasnana Purnima) on June 29. During these approximately 15 days, the deities are believed to rest in seclusion after their ritual bath, and public darshan at the main temple is restricted.
Devotees traditionally throng the Alarnath Temple, about 23-25 km from Puri, believing that Lord Jagannath manifests there in the form of Alarnath (a four-armed Vishnu) during this time. The shrine, dedicated to Vishnu and also housing Mahalakshmi, sees a massive surge in footfall as pilgrims seek darshan and offer special prasad like kheer.
This measure forms part of broader preparations to manage traffic and ensure safety amid the expected large gatherings during Rath Yatra.
