Bhubaneswar: The Jagannath temple in Puri will remain closed for devotees for four hours between 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm tomorrow due to Chitalagi ritual.
This was announced by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the smooth conduct of Chitalagi niti of holy Trinity that falls on Shravana Krishna Amavasya.
Every ‘Amavasya’ has its significance, but ‘Chitalagi Amavasya’, also known as ‘Chitau Amavasya,’ which falls on the new moon day in ‘Sravana’ month, plays an important role at Jagannath temple, the abode of Lord Jagannath and his sibling Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Going by tradition, a special ritual is performed on this day at the Srimandir. The foreheads of the Trinity-Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are embellished with an ornament called ‘Chita’. Chita is usually an ornament adorned on the forehead made from Chandan (sandalwood), Kasturi (musk) and Gorochana (bezoar), but the Chitas adorned by the deities are made from precious gemstones and gold.
Mahaprabhu Jagannath is adorned with ‘Heera Chita’ (Diamond Chita), Lord Balabhadra with ‘Neela Chita’ (Blue Sapphire) and Devi Subhadra with ‘Manikya Chita’ (Ruby).
The trinity adorns their respective ‘Chita’ throughout the year. It is on the day of ‘Snana Purnima’ when the ornaments are removed. And during the Rath Yatra, the deities wear ‘Chita’ made from Sal. After a long period, they are again adorned with their Chita on ‘Chitalagi Amavasya.
