As per the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), devotees will not be permitted entry from 6 pm to 10 pm. This restriction will start after the second ‘bhog mandap’ offering, and thereafter, the temple area will be off-limits for darshan.
Typically open until midnight, the temple will welcome devotees again following the completion of the scheduled ritual.
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This closure relates to the ‘Banakalagi Niti’, an important ritual performed within the sanctum sanctorum. During this ceremony, servitors apply fresh natural pigments made from ingredients such as ‘kasturi’ (musk), ‘karpura’ (camphor), ‘hingula’, ‘haritala’, and ‘keshar’ to the faces of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Known as ‘Srimukha Sringara’, this ritual is a vital aspect of temple traditions and occurs several times a year.
Designated servitors, including members of the Dutta Mohapatra and Khadiprasad Daitapati groups, carry out the process according to established customs. During this time, the ‘garbhagruha’ (sanctum) is closed, and no devotees are allowed entry.
Temple authorities have recommended that visitors plan their darshan accordingly and refrain from gathering near the gates during the restricted hours.
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