Puri, July 20: The sacred occasion of Hera Panchami will be observed today, marking the fifth day of the annual Ratha Yatra. Lord Shri Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, is currently at the Gundicha Temple as part of the nine-day sojourn. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Adapa Mandap to seek blessings and have darshan of the deities

Ahead of the rituals, Central Range IG Satyajit Naik reviewed the security arrangements and said that a larger number of devotees are expected to visit the temple on the occasion of Hera Panchami. To ensure smooth and orderly darshan, the temple security system has been divided into eight zones. Adequate police personnel have been deployed, with special arrangements made for the night rituals.

The IG also informed that 52 platoons of security forces have been deployed for the upcoming Dakshina Moda ritual, during which the chariots will be turned towards the southern direction. He urged devotees and visitors to follow the guidelines issued by the administration for a safe and smooth festival.

Meanwhile, addressing the issue of online advertisements offering VIP darshan, Satyajit Naik said that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has lodged an FIR against an organisation named eoOdisha. He clarified that there is no official provision or arrangement for VIP darshan at the temple.

Preparations for the Hera Panchami rituals began after the completion of the confidential Shri Mukha Shringar ritual at the Yagna Mandap on Sunday. On Monday, the Palia Mahajan servitors performed the ceremonial bathing and decoration of Goddess Mahalakshmi, adorning her with traditional silk attire and ornaments. The Pujapanda servitors then performed the ritual food offering.

As part of the Hera Panchami tradition, Goddess Mahalakshmi will proceed from the Shree Jagannath Temple in a grand procession accompanied by musical instruments, ceremonial umbrellas, and servitors. She will travel along the Bada Danda to the Gundicha Temple, where she will symbolically damage a part of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa chariot. After meeting Lord Jagannath, she will return to the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Devotees have gathered in large numbers to witness this unique ritual that reflects the divine human-like relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Mahalakshmi.