Puri: After taking charge as the new Chief Secretary of Odisha, senior IAS officer Manoj Ahuja reached Puri Srimandir on Sunday evening and had darshan of Patti Dian.
As the Chief Secretary reached the Lion Gate (Simha Dwara) of Shree Jagannath Temple, he was welcomed by Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, SP Pinak Mishra, and the servitors (sevayats).
The three deities of the Puri temple have left the sanctum sactorum. However, devotees who visit the temple can still offer prayers before the Trinity, represented by ‘Patti Dian’ images in the Pattachitra art form.
In a remarkable and unique representation, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are depicted in the patti dian, crafted in the traditional patta chitra style, serving as substitutes for the idols in the sanctum sactorum.
Later, while responding to the media, the new Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said that he was very happy to have darshan of the Holy Trinity in the form of Patti Dian.
When asked about preparations for Rath Yatra, the new Chief Secretary of Odisha, Manoj Ahuja said, “I have just assumed charge… I have convened a meeting with senior officers tomorrow for detailed discussion on the preparations for the Rath Yatra.”
Also Read: Manoj Ahuja Takes Charge as New Chief Secretary of Odisha
