Puri: In view of the upcoming lunar eclipse coinciding with the sacred festival of Dola Purnima, a crucial meeting of the Chhatisha Nijog was convened at the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration office on Tuesday. The meeting approved a specially prepared niti nirghanta (ritual timetable) to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals in strict adherence to age-old temple traditions.
Following the meeting, Puri District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida briefed the media and informed that the revised schedule has been finalised keeping in mind the religious significance of both Dola Purnima and the celestial event of the lunar eclipse.
As per the approved ritual schedule, the grand Suna Besha (golden attire) of Mahaprabhu will be performed between 8 PM and 9 PM on Dola Purnima. Owing to ritual constraints arising due to the eclipse, the Chalanti Pratima — Madanamohan, Bhudevi and Sridevi — will ceremonially proceed to the Dolabedi to carry out the customary rituals associated with the festival.
The Collector further stated that ‘Bhitar Katha Darshan’ will remain suspended on the 1st and 2nd as part of preparatory and ritual arrangements.
According to the detailed niti nirghanta for the 3rd, the temple doors will open at 1:00 AM (Dwara Phita), followed by Mangala Alati at 1:45 AM. Abakasha Niti will be observed at 3:00 AM, Mailama and Nua Luga Lagi Besha at 4:00 AM, and Khaikora Bhoga at 4:30 AM. This will be followed by Bije to Nabhikata Mandap at 5:00 AM and Bije to Dola Bimana at 6:00 AM.
After the completion of Tadapa Lagi, temple rituals will remain temporarily suspended in accordance with eclipse-related religious observances. The District Collector clarified that once the ‘Grahana Sparsha’ (touch of the eclipse) occurs, the prescribed devaniti (temple rituals) will resume as per established tradition.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Administrator of the temple stated that the exact timing of Mahaprabhu’s ceremonial procession to the Dolabedi — whether in the morning or evening — will depend upon the flow of rituals and the eclipse timing on the day.
Temple authorities have assured that all rituals will be conducted strictly as per established customs while ensuring seamless coordination among servitors during the eclipse-affected period. The administration has appealed to devotees to remain informed about the revised schedule and cooperate in maintaining discipline during the sacred observances.
