Special Arrangements For Solar Eclipse At Jagannath Temple In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: The rituals of deities in Shree Jagannath temple of Odisha’s Puri town have been rescheduled on account of partial solar eclipse on Tuesday.

The morning rituals of sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra have been advanced as partial solar eclipse will be visible in the pilgrim town in the evening.

As per the schedule fixed by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the rituals of deities at the 12^th century shrine for Tuesday morning will start from Monday midnight.

The partial solar eclipse will start at 04.56 pm and end at 06.26 pm. However, it will be visible for 16 minutes and 26 seconds in Puri.

According to the revised schedule of the rituals, Dwara Phita will be held at 12 am and Mangala Alati performed at 12.30 am. It will be followed by Mailama and Tadapalagi at 12.45 am.

Thereafter, ‘Sakala Dhupa’ will be held between 2.30 and 3.00 am, ‘Bala Dhupa’ at 4 am and ‘Bhoga Mandap’ will be performed at 4.55 am.

After ‘Bhoga Mandap’ ritual, ‘Radha Damodar Besha Mailam’ ritual will be performed and then ‘Mahasnana’ ritual will be held after the eclipse and then the other rituals will follow.

Cooking, consumption of food and rituals of deities are prohibited from 4.57 am in view of solar eclipse.

Meanwhile, a large number of devotees thronged Shree Jagannath temple on Monday on the occasion of Gaya Sradh. Many burnt ‘Kaunria’ sticks and the district administration has made elaborate arrangements for this ritual. People also offered ‘shradh’ near the north gate of the temple.