Puri, Mar 9: The Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri will remain shut for four hours today for special ritual called 'Khasapada Lagi Niti'. This was announced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday.

According to the temple administration, on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Shukla Dwitiya, the Khasapada Lagi ritual of the presiding deities will be conducted at the Srimandir. Following this, the darshan of the Holy Trinity will remain temporarily closed from 6 PM to 10 PM after the conclusion of the second Bhogamandap offering.

Devotees planning to visit the temple are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly. The temple administration has assured the resumption of darshan after the designated time.

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About Khasapada Lagi Niti
Khasapada Lagi Niti is a secret ritual at the Puri Jagannath Temple where the holy feet (Shreepayar) of the deities are covered with white cloth (Khasapada) by Daitapati servitors. Performed twice annually after Rath Yatra and Holi, this 4–5 hour ritual protects the deities' bodies from environmental exposure.

Key Aspects of Khasapada Lagi Niti:
Purpose: It acts as a preservation ritual for the deities' bodies after they have endured sun and rain during major festivals.
Procedure: Daitapati servitors perform this, often following the second Bhogamandap Bhoga, where the idols are specially covered to maintain their structural integrity.