Post News Network
PURI: Sri Jagannath’s holy log (daru) Friday reached Koili Baikuntha in Srimandir amid cheers and devotion.
Chakraraj Sudarshan, the instrument of Lord Bishnu, has returned to Srimandir after almost 55 days. Sudarshan wheel was the primary companion and protector of servitors on Banajaga Yatra which commenced Mach 29. The sanctification of Jagannath’s holy log at ‘Darugruha’ at Koili Baikuntha is the culmination of the Banajaga Yatra.
Srimandir sources said idols would be carved out of the daru from June 3. The Brahm or the spirit of existing idols would be transferred to the new idols (Ghata Paribartan) June 15. The first car festival of the new idols will commence July 18.
The cart transporting Lord Jagannath’s holy log was parked near Jagyan Nrushingha temple Thursday night. A large number of devotees gathered at the spot to have a glimpse of the log. Daita servitors accompanying the cart spent the night at Gundicha Bhakta Niwas.
The cart was pulled towards Srimandir at 9am after Daita servitors offered puja at Jagyan Nrusingha temple. Nearly one lakh devotees gathered on the Grand Road to witness the daru procession. The cart was taken amidst beating of cymbals and blowing of clarinets.
The Grand Road was painted with colourful rangolis. New sarees adorned the streets to greet Jagannath’s daru. Women devotees showered flower petals on the holy log while hundreds of artistes performed traditional dances to add colours to the procession. Police threw a security cordon around the cart to avoid untoward incidents. Altogether 15 platoons of armed police personnel were deployed for the smooth passage of the procession.
Servitors carried the cart (sagadi) to Koili Baikuntha through the North Gate (Davajana Marg) of Srimandir after ‘Pana Bhoga’ was offered to the daru which was later installed at the Darugruha at 12.30pm. Soon after the installation ritual, nearly 50 Daita servitors visited the sanctum sanctorum to pay obeisance to the deities.