Puri, Aug 14: Tomorrow marks the holy occasion of Janmashtami and ahead of the auspicious celebrations, preparations at the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri are in full swing.

On the eve of Janmashtami, the temple will witness a special ritual during the evening arati, where Lord Jagannath will be adorned in the divine “Chha Murti Alankara” (six-form decoration).

Following the Sandhya Dhupa, the temple’s Jay-Vijay gates will be ceremonially closed. After the closure of the temple’s outer gates, a special offering known as “Jeuda Bhoga” will be presented to the deity.

This includes a traditional spread of sag (leafy greens), vegetables, pitha (rice cakes), jhili (fried sweets), and khiri (rice pudding), all prepared in the temple’s sacred kitchen and placed in the Anasara Pindi (altar).

The Mudirasta sevayat (chief servitor) will apply the prasad to the divine body of Mahaprabhu.

Three designated pandas will perform rituals using the sacred Panchakshara mantra, followed by a ceremonial “Bandapana” (obeisance) by the puja pandas, Pati Mahapatra, and Mudirasta in three rounds.

This ritual is known as “Garbha Udaka Bandapana,” symbolizing the divine moment when Lord Jagannath assumes the form of Devaki and undergoes a spiritual conception. In honour of this divine birth, the Jeuda Bhoga is offered as a gesture of comfort and celebration.

Devotees from across the region are expected to gather in large numbers to witness and participate in the sacred festivities.

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