Puri, Jan 13: Rituals for the grand opening of the Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa (heritage corridor project) began on Friday with Puri Gajapati king Dibyasingha Deb inviting priests for 'Ankuropan' and 'Ankur Puja' rituals in traditional way with betel nuts at his palace 'Sri Nahar'.
The 'Ankuropan' and 'Ankur Puja' rituals will be performed today and 'Yajna Adhibas' on Sunday. The 'Maha Yajna' will begin on January 15.
After performing 'Acharyabaran Niti' in 'Sri Nahar' (royal palace) yesterday, Deb advised the priests, servitors and others involved in the 'Maha Yajna' to perform the rituals with utmost sincerity. "Such type of an event is taking place after 700 years. Srimadir Parikrama Project is going to be successful due to the blessings of Lord Jagannath," said the Gajapati.
The steps taken under the Srimadir Parikrama Project is need of the hour for the safety and security of the shrine, he added.
An 'Akhand Deepa' will be placed at the Yajna site on January 15.
The puja rituals will be completed on January 17 after which Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will walk through the corridor in the afternoon to open it for devotees, followed by cultural programmes
Scores of representatives have been invited from religious shrines and institutions across the country to attend the mega function on January 17.
