Post News Network
Puri, June 9: Unlike last year, devotees will be allowed to witness the Nabajauban Darshan ritual of Srimandir deities scheduled to be held July 5.
Fearing a stampede-like situation, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had last year prevented devotees from having the glimpses of the deities during Nabajauban rituals.
“This year, devotees will have the opportunity to witness the Nabajauban Darshan ritual of the Trinity- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra,” said SJTA chief administrator Suresh Chandra Mahapatra Thursday after discussing the ritual issue with various Niyogs of servitor groups.
SJTA sources said Mahapatra held discussions with 11 Niyogs to ensure smooth conduct of Snanapurnima, Nabajauban and Rath Yatra.
According to sources, the SJTA has asked servitors not to loiter in front of the Snana Mandap (bathing altar) during the Snanapurnima ritual. “Devotees are facing problems to have a darshan of the deities during Snanapurnima ritual due to the presence of large number of servitors on the bathing altar,” said a temple administration official.
The SJTA, meanwhile, prohibited the devotees from touching the deities on the bathing alter.
