Puri, June 25: Devotees will be deprived of the holy Nabajoubana Darshan of the Trinity in Puri this year, decided Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The temple administraion has decided not to permit 'Nabajouban Darshan' as Rath Yatra, 'Nabajouban Darshan' and 'Netra Utsav' are falling on the same day which will lead expectations of a large crowd at Srimandir. However, during Rathyatra, utmost priority will be placed on ensuring the safety and convenience of devotees, informed SJTA Chief Administrator Vir Vikram Yadav.
Worth mentioning, after spending 14 days in isolation to recover from illness, the divine deities of Puri's Jagannath Temple emerge with a youthful appearance known as Nabajoubana. This annual ritual, celebrated at the 12th-century shrine, is called 'Nabajoubana Darshan'.
According to tradition, the Holy Trinity falls ill after their ceremonial bath with 108 pitchers of water on Devasnana Purnima. They are then moved to a sick room called Anasara Ghara where they rest and undergo 'Panchakarma' treatment for two weeks under royal physicians' care.
During their recovery, the deities undergo a special ritual known as 'Banakalagi' or 'Srikumkha Sringara', which involves applying a fresh coat of natural colors to their idols. This transformational ritual, traditionally performed by Dutta Mohapatra and Khadiparasad Daitapati servitors, includes painting the deities' eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, mouths, noses, and finally their eyeballs with meticulous care.
After this, the deities appear before devotees during Nabajoubana Darshan, also known as Netra Utsav. This occasion draws millions of devotees to the holy city to witness the rejuvenated appearance of the Gods.