PURI: Daru (holy Neem tree) of Lord Sudarshan has been located at Gadakuntania near Hirapur village in Balakati block of Khurda district. This was announced by Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Sunday.
As per the procedures laid down by the SJTA, after identifying four Neem trees bearing holy symbols for carving new idols of the temple deities, the Banajaga team would inform the Chief Administrator who would announce the location. This has been done to secure the Daru from any damage.
After identification of the Daru for Lord Sudarshan, barricades have been raised around the Neem tree. Sabar Palli (temporary home) and Yajnashalla are being erected to facilitate stay of Daitapatis at the place for performing various rituals and cutting the tree.
As per the Nabakalebar manual, the trees would be consecrated by Swotriya Brahmins of the Banajaga team. Before cutting the Daru, they would perform yajna amidst chanting of Vedic hymns and the Daitapatis would pour water from Kalashas for a divine bath of the tree.
The Daitas will stay in the Deuli mutt on Sunday and move after the Swotriya Brahmins complete the puja at the Mangala temple which they were performing daily for the last 10 days.
As per the schedule, the Swotriya Brahmins accompanying the Banajaga team would perform a 24-hour yajna near the Neem tree. Then the Bidyapati and Biswabasu would touch the tree with the gold and silver axes respectively. Then the Biswakarmas would cut the tree with iron axe. The log would be loaded on a special wooden cart which would be pulled to Jagannath temple by the Daitapatis and the devotees.
Mahapatra said after interval of a week, the location of Daru for Devi Subhadra followed by that of Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath would be announced.
Sources in the Banajaga team revealed that all the rest three Darus were located in Jagatsinghpur district.
After arriving at the Deuli mutt on April 2, the Daitapatis started puja at the Ma Mangala temple in Kakatpur from next day. During the puja, they were chanting the Swapnavati Mantra for divine vision about location of four Darus.
As per the vision, the Daitapatis went in search of Darus in groups to Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda and Puri districts and shortlisted 112 Neem trees.
After consultation with senior Daitapatis, four Neem trees having distinct symbols like mace, lotus, wheel and conch were selected.
They also ensured that each tree matched the prescribed norms that it should be located near a river and a cremation ground. Besides there should be an anthill at the root of the tree which would be surrounded by Sahada, Bakul and other such trees. Neither the tree should have bird nest nor any of its branches should be damaged.