The sacred rituals at the Jagannath Temple in Puri faced an unexpected disruption on Monday after blood stains were discovered near the Bhitara Katha.
In response, temple authorities swiftly performed the Maha Snana (grand purification bath) ritual, adhering to the longstanding traditions of Srimandir.
According to temple sources, several servitors spotted the stains near a restricted section of the temple, prompting the delay of daily ceremonies. As per temple customs, the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—are not bathed directly during Maha Snana. Instead, water is poured on mirrors placed before the idols while sacred mantras are chanted.
Temple traditions mandate this purification ritual under specific circumstances, such as accidental spills, animal deaths, human demise within the premises, and unusual occurrences like the entry of dogs or skeletal remains.
The incident has sparked curiosity and concern among devotees, who continue to visit the temple in large numbers. Authorities are investigating the source of the blood stains to ensure the sanctity of the revered site remains intact.
