Post News Network
Raghunathpur, May 16: Even as the ‘sagadi’ carrying the Jagannath ‘daru’ left for Puri Srimandir from the holy site at Kharipadia village under this block in Jagatsinghpur district, residents here are still soaked in spirituality.
People under Dharadharpur panchayat were seen burning ‘Akhanda Deepa’ (non-stop lamps) wishing happy journey of the ‘daru sagadi’ to Puri. They vowed to keep the lamps burning till the ‘sagadi’ enters Debajana Marga of Puri Srimandir and reaches Koili Baikuntha.
Arakhita Mallick on whose land the holy Neem tree had grown up is accompanying the ‘daru sagadi’ in the procession to bid final adieu to the holy wood in Puri. He has planned to get his wishes fulfilled by pulling the ropes of the ‘daru sagadi’.
Meanwhile, villagers after cutting of the holy wood are determined to construct a Jagannath temple at the place where the holy tree grew.
This was decided Friday after the ‘sagadi’ carrying the Jagannath ‘daru’ started rolling Thursday.
Spirituality and devotion that began after the tree was designated as ‘daru’ picked up even after the ‘daru sagadi’ left for Puri.
Sources said villagers led by Sarpanch Krushna Chandra Jena and Samiti member Gagan Dash has a meeting at the ‘daru’ site Friday night and discussed on ways to construct a Jagannath temple.
It was agreed that 30 decimals of land is required for construction of the temple for which villagers Ganeshwar Dash, Kartik Chandra Dash and Basant Kumar Dash agreed to part with their land for the purpose. While the actual land owner Arakhita Mallick has already given his consent, villagers decided to wait for his arrival in village.
They also discussed ways to raise funds for the temple and decided to form a committee to get it registered. Krushna Chandra Mallick, Rabindra Mallick, Jatin Dash and Binod Mallick, all villagers, participated in the meeting.