BHUBANESWAR: After the identification and finalisation of Daru (holy Neem tree) for Lord Sudarshan, the devotees are making a beeline to have a darshan of the sacred tree. Till late Sunday evening more than 5000 devotees visited the spot and offered their prayers, sources said.
Daru (holy Neem tree) of Lord Sudarshan has been located at Hirapur village near Chousathi Yogini temple in Balakati close to Bhubaneswar.
In wake of the constant flow of devotees to the spot, Commissionerate of Police has made elaborate security arrangements at the site. The spot was immediately sanitised and barricaded and none, except the Daitapatis (servitors of Lord Jagannath) and priests were allowed to go near the tree.
A force of 20 platoons of police under the supervision of around 50 sub-inspectors (SI) and assistant SIs are guarding the place. The officers and constables have been assigned shifts.
An Additional DCP ranked officer is leading the team to ensure smooth and incident-free conduct of the rituals, informed Police Commissioner Dr RP Sharma.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation and keeping an eye on anti-socials of the area who may hinder the pious proceedings by indulging in criminal activities. The security arrangements will continue till the Daitapatis and officials of SJTA arrive and begin felling of the holy tree,” the police commissioner said.