Puri: In keeping with the tradition of Srimandir here, Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb on Thursday performed the ‘Sadhi Bandha’ ritual of Mudirasta.
The ritual was solemnized at the Gajapati’s palace (Srinaara) on the auspicious occasion of Pausa Purnima.
As per age-old custom, a minor servitor – Narayan – was duly anointed as the new Mudirasta for a year. He will be the authorised representative of the Maharaj in his absence. Narayan Mudirasta can perform the prescribed duties and rituals of the Maharaj at the Jagannath temple here besides other religious ceremonies, in the king’ absence only.
After the ‘Sadhi Bandha’ ritual at the palace, the new Mudirasta went to the temple to seek Lord’s blessings and started performing the rituals scheduled for him as per the tradition. Every year a minor boy is chosen as a Mudirasta.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb said the seva (service to the Lord) of the deities should never stop and to ensure that the rituals continue as scheduled, the tradition of Mudirasta was started.
It many be mentioned here that former Mudirasta – Aditya Narayan – had performed the Chhera Panhara (sweeping with golden broom) during the Snana Jatra of the Trinity last year in the absence of the Maharaj when the Covid pandemic was at its peak.
