Argus News - Bada Mahasnan Ritual Underway At Puri Jagannath Temple After Blood Stains Found Near 'Bhitara Katha'

Puri, Apr 7: The Bada Mahasnan (major purification ritual) is being conducted on Tuesday at the Jagannath Temple in Puri after blood stains were reportedly found near the 'Bhitara Katha' structure.

Blood Stains Trigger Ritual
The incident came to light after a Pratihari servitor noticed blood stains inside the temple premises. Following the discovery, temple authorities immediately initiated the traditional purification ritual as per established customs.

Darshan Suspended Since Morning
Darshan of the sibling deities has remained suspended since the Mangala Alati. The Bada Mahasnan ritual began at around 8:30am.

Devotee entry will resume only after the completion of the ritual and restoration of normal temple procedures.

Cause Yet To Be Confirmed
The exact source of the blood stains remains unclear. However, it is suspected that the stains may have resulted from an accidental injury, possibly due to someone stepping on a broken glass bangle amid heavy crowd movement.

Such incidents have reportedly occurred in the past during periods of high footfall.

Also Read: Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar Counting Starts March 25

Similar Incident Reported Earlier
A similar situation had occurred on February 16, 2025, when blood stains were found near the same Bhitar Katha area, leading to the ritual of Bada Mahasnan and temporary suspension of darshan.

Devotees Likely To Be Affected
The temporary halt in darshan is expected to impact a large number of devotees, especially given the rush at the temple.