Puri: To ensure smooth conduct of the Snana Yatra, Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) discussed with members of 10 Nijogs of the temple in a meeting Thursday.
Addressing a press conference, Chief administrator of SJTA Dr Krishna Kumar said that the servitors will perform the bathing ritual of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra by adhering to COVID-19 guidelines like social distancing and wearing of masks.
“The temple administration will allow minimum number of servitors to perform the bathing ceremony of deities. The Nijog will submit a list of the servitors to SJTA by May 25 mentioning the names of servitors who will perform the ritual,” Kumar said.
These servitors will be given special passes by SJTA according to the list, Kumar added. He further clarified that a decision on Snana Yatra will be taken as per the central government direction on lockdown after June 1.
Notably, as per Hindu lunar calendar, the special bath of three deities takes place on the Purnima of Jyestha month (Devasnan Purnima) i.e. sixteen days before Ratha Yatra. It is said that them they fall sick and are confined to rest for 14 days. They are then offered special care until the deities come out for Ratha Yatra.
According to Skanda Purana when Raja Indradyumna installed the wooden deities he arranged for this bathing ceremony. This day is considered the birthday of Lord Jagannath.
PNN