As part of the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities in Puri, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced a temporary suspension of darshan at the Gundicha Temple on Monday night.
Devotees will not be allowed to view the deities between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM due to the performance of the sacred Banakalagi Niti—a facial decoration and rejuvenation ritual for the deities.
Following their majestic arrival at the Adapa Mandap on Sunday through the grand Pahandi procession, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan are now resting at their ceremonial abode inside Gundicha Temple. The Banakalagi ritual involves cosmetic touch-ups using traditional herbal and natural substances to symbolically refresh the divine appearance of the deities after their journey from the Srimandir.
This intimate and spiritually significant practice holds deep meaning in Jagannath culture, representing restoration, divinity, and the gods’ readiness to bless their devotees again. From Monday onwards, pilgrims can participate in the Adapa Darshan, offering prayers and glimpses of the Chaturdha Murti in this rare form.
Thousands of devotees are expected to gather during this Adapa period, and the SJTA has made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowds and ensure smooth and safe darshan. Authorities have urged devotees to cooperate with the temporary darshan restrictions and maintain discipline during the ritual hours.
