Puri, Jul 24: The famous Lord Jagannath Temple, Srimandira, will be closed to devotees today for four hours. This is due to a special, secret ritual called Chitalaagi Amavasya, which is performed only by the temple’s servitors. During this time, no public entry will be allowed. The temple will be shut from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, as announced by the temple administration yesterday.
On this day, the Chitalaagi Amavasya ritual takes place, which is held on the Amavasya (new moon) day of the Shravan month. During this ritual, the sacred Chitalagi is performed on the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
After the regular daily worship and offering rituals are completed, the temple servitors will apply a golden Chitalagi to the foreheads of the three deities. This special ornament, known as Ratnachita, was taken during a pilgrimage to the deities during Sannu Purnima. The original ornament will be used for the ritual today. The Chitalagi will be applied by certain priests, while others will prepare offerings for the ceremony.
Reports also say that the golden Chita was removed after Lord Jagannath fell ill due to too much bathing on Snana Purnima. The golden decoration was then safely stored, and it will now be placed on the head of Lord Jagannath today, as part of the Amavasya Tithi ceremony.
