Argus News - Banakalagi Ritual: Puri Srimandir to Remain Closed for Devotees for four Hours tomorrow

Puri, Mar 4: The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri will remain closed to devotees for four hours tomorrow evening as the sacred Banakalagi ritual of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra is to be performed, temple authorities said on Wednesday.

“On Thursday, the 5th March, Chaitra Krushna Dwitiya Tithi, the Banakalagi Niti of the Holy Deities will be performed. Therefore, after the completion of the Second Bhog Mandap offering, public darshan will temporarily suspended from 6 PM to 10 PM,” said the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri.

Ritual Details

The Banakalagi Niti, also known as Shrimukha Sringara, involves repainting the deities’ faces with sacred substances such as kasturi (musk), harital (yellow pigment), kesar (saffron), and hingula (vermilion). This rejuvenation ritual is carried out by the Dutta Mohapatra and Khadiprasad Daitapati servitors inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Also Read: Jagannath Temple Reschedules Rituals, Suna Besha to be held at Night

Spiritual Significance

Far beyond its cosmetic appearance, Banakalagi symbolizes spiritual renewal and the strengthening of the bond between the divine and devotees. It is considered one of the most intimate and sacred rites in the temple calendar, performed periodically to refresh the aura of the deities.

Security

The SJTA has urged devotees to plan their visits accordingly, given the temporary suspension of darshan. Meanwhile, the Puri district administration has made elaborate security arrangements around the temple to ensure smooth conduct of the ritual and crowd management.