General darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain suspended on Wednesday due to the performance of the sacred Banakalagi Niti (also known as Shrimukha Shringara) of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has issued a notification confirming that public darshan will be closed for approximately four hours to facilitate this special ritual, which takes place on Magha Shukla Dashami tithi.
As per the schedule, general darshan will be halted from 6:00 PM in the evening until 10:00 PM at night, following the completion of the Dwitiya Bhogamandapa Bhog (second offering in the Bhog Mandap).
During the Banakalagi Niti, the face (Shrimukha) of Lord Jagannath, along with His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, is adorned with natural colors to enhance their divine beauty and attractiveness. The ritual involves the application of various natural substances, including Hingula (vermilion), Haritala (yellow orpiment), Karpura (camphor), and Kasturi (musk). This sacred decoration is meticulously performed by the designated Datta Mahapatra sevayats (hereditary servitors).
The Banakalagi ritual, a cherished tradition at the temple, makes the deities’ faces appear more radiant and captivating through this artistic and devotional adornment.
Devotees planning to visit the temple on Wednesday are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly and complete their darshan either before 6:00 PM or after 10:00 PM. The administration has urged pilgrims to cooperate to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the niti.
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