Post News Network
Biridi, May 2: A Neem tree spotted at Adhanga and identified for carving out Devi Subhadra’s idol was felled Saturday evening after completion of the Yajna at the Nilakantheswar shrine.
The Yajna came to an end by 1.24pm following which Chakranarayan was brought to Sabarpalli.
Bidyapati Narasingha Pati Mohapatra touched the tree with a golden axe and Binayak Das Mohapatra with a silver axe. They perambulated the tree with the axes thrice before touching the tree at the roots.
The process of chopping the tree began by Biswakarma Krushna Maharana and other Maharana servitors present at the holy spot.
Daitapati Niyog president Ramakrushna Mohapatra said, “Today (Saturday) is ‘Nrusingha Janma’ and it is an auspicious occasion to cut the holy tree for Devi Subhadra.” It is nothing but the grace of the goddess, he added.
Meanwhile, Nabaghana Raul, a priest of Nilakantheswar shrine fell unconscious when the holy tree was being felled. He was assisted by some devotees who sprinkled water on him to bring him back to consciousness.
Police deployed at the site had a tough time in controlling the crowd of devotees who gathered to witness the ritual at the site.
Meanwhile, chief administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) SK Mohapatra said the sagadi (vehicle) carrying the daru of Lord Balabhadra, devi Subhadra and Jagannath to Puri will be taken out in the night.
“Day time transportation of the daru creates a lot of traffic problems, hence it was decided to move the sagadi during the night time,” Mohapatra said. Elaborate police and traffic arrangements have been made for the purpose, he said.