Bhubaneswar: A large number of devotees thronged temples across Odisha to have a darshan of Lord Rama on the occasion of Ram Navami on Thursday.
In state capital Bhubaneswar, all the shrines of Lord Rama including Ram Mandir at Unit-3 and Chitrakuta Ashram in Unit-9 drew large crowds. Devotees queued up at the temples since early morning to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion.
Ram Mandir was opened for darshan to public following Mangala Alati in the morning. Other rituals including Srungar Alati, Bhoga Alati, Janmotsav Alati and Pushpanjali were conducted in a systematic manner amidst chanting of hymns and religious chants. Ramcharitmanas was also recited by women and saints from Puri to celebrate the birthday of Lord Ram.
Security has been tightened in and around the temple premises to ensure smooth and safe darshan of the Lord, police said.
Special rituals are also being performed at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on the occasion of holy Ram Navami. The pilgrim town is all set to celebrate Sahi Jata, a unique tradition linked to Jagannath culture. All preparations for the Sahi Jata have been put in place and the artistes are fully ready with rehearsals at ‘Akhadas’ in the seaside town.
Several other places including Bhadrak, Balasore and Rourkela also wore festive looks as pandals have been erected at different places on the occasion.
In Badrak, the district administration has made adequate security arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful celebration of Ram Navami in the communally sensitive town. Police personenl in strength have been deployed to maintain law and order.
While seven drone cameras have been deployed to keep a vigil during the procession, over 76 CCTV cameras have been installed at various places to keep a tab on the event.
‘Agyana Malas’ have been brought from Akhandalamani temple, Maa Bhadrakali temple and Maa Biraja temple in Jajpur to Gandhipadia in Bhadrak where a religious ‘Jagyan’ will be performed. Preparations are in the final stage for the famous ‘Nagara Sankirtana’ in the town.
Meanwhile, eminent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a sand sculpture at Puri beach on the occasion of Ram Navami. Sudarsan has also created a miniature of Ayodhya’s Ram temple.
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